The Basics of Architecture!
Students will experiment with different basic styles of architectural building.

Objective
Students will create a series of LEGO® structures using different building techniques.

Key Vocabulary

Cantilevered	Buttress
Corbelled Arch	Flying Buttress
Post
Lintel

Materials
Access to a variety of LEGO® elements (such as found in an AOE Lab).


Discussion
The instructor will initiate a group discussion presenting several different "basic building techiniques." (Basic building techniques are considered to be different general ways of building). As each technique is discussed, the instructor will demonstrate it with a model.

Cantilevers are architectural elements that "stick out" such as a flag pole. Cantilevers are generally attatched or supported at one point.
A Corbelled Arch are two series of Cantilevers that meet.
Post and Lintels are Cantilevers that are supported at two or more points.
Buttresses are solid walls that support another wall.
Flying Buttresses are buttresses that connect with a wall from some distance through an arch.
A True Arch is a curved structure.
The instructor will challenge the students to identify other "basic building techniques." (For example, overlapping bricks versus stacking bricks, building with only yellow materials, etc.). Students will be able to identify each building technique at the end of the discussion.