Cultures

A gondola is a long, narrow, traditional Venetian rowing boat. Propelled by a gondolier using a single oar, Gondolas have been in use since at least the 11th century. Historically, they were a primary means of transport for Venetians, especially the upper classes. Today, they are enjoyed mostly by tourists as an iconic symbol of the city of Venice. Students will construct a traditional Venetian gondola while learning about the city's history, infrastructure, and how the need to create this mode of transportation came about.

A Roman villa was typically a farmhouse or country house in the territory of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. The earliest examples are mostly humble farmhouses in Italy, while from the Republican period on, a range of larger building types emerged, with some reaching extravagant proportions. Learn about Roman culture and construction.

The Ndebele are an ethnic group found in Southern Africa, divided into two main branches: the Northern Ndebele of Zimbabwe and the Southern Ndebele of South Africa. Alongside their distinctive culture, including vibrant geometric mural paintings, elaborate beadwork, these traditional homes are colorful works of art. 

Students will learn how women decorate their abodes with colorful care and ingenuity. Along with an explanation of the construction, decoration, and culture. This program is accompanied by a reading of Maya Angelou's thoughtful children's book to the students, "My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken."

A great example of human ingenuity, the sod houses of Ireland utilize stone and sod, which are readily available throughout the region. These houses exemplify the resourcefulness of the people building them. Another wonderful way humans improvise and secure shelter to bring them safety and a dwelling.

Greek temples were built to house statues of deities, acting as homes for the gods rather than places of worship for the general public. Learn about the specific architectural elements and how temples evolved from sacred groves found in nature to the grand houses of the gods that are still standing to this day around the Mediterranean.

Castles are a projection of power through architecture. From hill forts to motte and bailey, and eventually the classic stone keep, castles of Europe have undergone a splendid evolution. Occupying strategic geographic positions, they were used as seats of government, protection from attack, places to rest along routes of trade, and were even homes for some. Like most practical designs, European Castles reflect the style and resources of the regions from which they were built. Learn how different aspects of castle construction come together to serve a wide-ranging purpose.

Ancient Egyptian funerary barges were ceremonial and symbolic vessels used to transport the deceased across the Nile and into the afterlife. They were often decorated with carvings and paintings, and sometimes found in large tombs as part of the burial goods. These boats varied in size and design, representing the deceased's journey to the afterlife and serving as provisions for their eternal existence.

The Stilt houses of Brazil's Amazon River Basin are fantastic examples of using local resources to adapt a shelter to meet the needs of people. Students will learn how geography, climate, and environmental predicaments steer civilizations into inventing new ways of living and thriving. 

A Pueblo house is an apartment-like structure built by Ancestral Puebloan people in the American Southwest. They are typically constructed with adobe bricks that are made of sun-dried clay, sand, and grass. These multi-story buildings, sometimes reaching four or five stories, were designed for defense and community living. They featured flat, earthen roofs accessible by ladders. Learn how these architectural marvels are built and the importance of climate and geography.

Exploring global architecture and transportation is an artful approach in teaching students about international and historical diversity. Building together and learning about communities to understand people and culture is an effective way to continue or ignite interdisciplinary conversations about traditions, climate, and geography.

During this program, students will construct models of architecture and/or vehicles from around the world. 
Students can build castles and temples, pyramids and pagodas, or a funeral barge from far-off lands centuries ago. Use basic workshop tools, wood, and other materials to bring these relics to life. 

Are you teaching a subject not covered in our existing catalog? We can design and create inventive projects that fit your needs.

Choose two mini projects that will take 2 hours to build ($18).