Third Grade Chicago Architecture Project

Learning About Chicago Architecture

Third graders spent several months learning about Chicago architecture. Students read about Frank Lloyd Wright and his unique design style. They looked at images of Wright’s building around Chicago, as well as unique architecture they learned about in their neighborhood study. We talked about how Chicago is famous for its architecture and continues to build and add new designs.

Third graders explored the Chicago Architecture Foundation database and explored different types of buildings in Chicago. They looked at homes, businesses, parks, museums and more.

Research

Next, students picked one building they wanted to learn more about. They explored the Chicago Architecture Foundation database and collected three interesting facts about the building, park, or space. Next, students found pictures of their space.
Students learned how to create a Google website. They built their site to include the facts and photos they collected about their Chicago space.

3D Design

Students then learned how to use the Tinkercad 3D design software. They learned how to move and change shapes, draw, and edit designs in 3D. Next, they revisited pictures of their Chicago space and thought about how they could represent it in a 3D model.
Third graders spent time designing and editing their creation. Then, we printed them on the 3D printers in the TIDES Garage in the Kovler Library space.

Bringing Their 3D Designs to Life

The final step was to connect their 3D designs and their curated websites with cool technology!

Students’ websites were connected to an NFC tag. An NFC tag is a small microchip that can be read by different mobile devices. The urls were written onto the NFCs, and the tag was placed at the bottom of the 3D print. All of the prints were placed on display in the library next to the Ideum touchscreen computer and an NFC reader. Visitors and other students in the library pick a 3D design, place it on the NFC reader and the student's website pops up on the large computer screen.

Students brought their 3D prints home. Grown ups at home can use their smartphones to tap the NFC tag to the phone, and the website will popup.

The student websites can also be explored using the links below!