Following our reading of Iggy Peck, Architect, the Yellow Room students discussed the important jobs of architects and engineers. We learned that an architect is like the artist who draws the plans, while an engineer is the problem-solver who makes sure the structure is strong and stable. This led to a great conversation about how using both creative thinking and logic helps us build better projects.
We discussed the roles of architects and engineers. Here is what we discussed:
The architect (The creative artist)
The architect is the person who first draws a design for a house or building. They design the look and feel. For instance, they are considering how the building will appear on the outside, where the windows should be placed, and what the interior rooms will look like.
They use special paper or a computer to draw the detailed plan, called a blueprint, so everyone knows what to build. Their job is to make sure the building is not only safe but also a fun and beautiful place to be.
The engineer (The problem-solver)
The engineer is the person who determines how to ensure the architect’s design will be both functional and structurally sound. They use math and science to determine how to build things so they don’t collapse. They make the structure strong. For instance, when building, they choose the right materials, such as strong steel instead of soft wood, and determine how to make the beams and foundation strong enough.
Using loose parts and model magic, the children were tasked with designing and creating whatever they wanted. Here is what they told me about their designs:
– A castle house.
– A stable bridge. And now I’m making a shark. These (the gems) are the eyes.
– A lollipop. I’ll make many.
– Cookies. And this is a lemon.
– I’m making a design, it stretches. I made a motorcycle.
– A big house. I made ice cream – yum yum yum.
– A large cookie like I have at home.
– I’m making an island. And then I’m making two islands with a bridge crossing them. And one will be a treasure island.
– A new bridge, I’m making a bridge. And there is an island. I bend it (the straws).
– I’m making a plank.
– I’m making the inside of a headquarters. No, it’s a crystal cave. Actually, I am making a headquarters – the gems are stepping stones in the water. They power the headquarters.
– I’m also making a headquarters.
– I’m making the ocean.
