Wild Buildings and Bridges: Architecture Inspired by Nature by Etta Kaner

Summary

Are you planning a STEAM challenge? Does it involve design and construction? If so, read Wild Buildings and Bridges: Architecture Inspired by Nature. In this book, author Etta Kaner explains how nature influences design. She pulls on her experience as a classroom teacher to deliver this information. Kaner engages the audience with thought provoking questions and illustrated examples. Step-by-step directions invite learners to experiment with architecture. Readers will feel compelled to study nature after reading this intriguing book.

Response to Literature

AASL Standards Framework for Learners: Explore/Create: V.B.2 Learners construct new knowledge by persisting through self-directed pursuits by tinkering and making.

• Prepare for lesson by creating three design stations based on the experiments in the book. Provide directions and materials at each station.
  • Station 1: “Test a Truss”
  • Station 2: “Why are Honeycombs Made of Hexagons?”
  • Station 3: “Making Water in the Desert”
• Read the directions for each station with learners. Invite them to choose a station to explore.
• Provide books on bridges, honeybees and plants and animals of the desert for further study. Offer graph paper and pencils to design a structure based on nature.
• Enrich learning by following the Where’s Rodney by Carmen Bogan activity.

Share your designs with #AASLstandards!

If you like these lesson ideas, please check out our book, Lessons Inspired by Picture Books for Primary Grades. This resource includes detailed lesson plans, essential questions, worksheets, rubrics and assessments. 

Click here to purchase Wild Buildings and Bridges from Bookshop.org