Synergy: Concrete

CONCRETE is a composite material made of stone, sand, water, and cement. From bridges and dams to lighthouses and skyscrapers, concrete is used in a wide range of construction projects.

Create a display featuring concrete examples, building models, and LEGO bricks. Ask children to design a building that could be made with concrete.

Read the recently published nonfiction children’s picture book, then learn more at the website:

CONCRETE: FROM THE GROUND UP by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Steve Light defines concrete and traces its history. Part of the Material Marvels series, readers learn about the many types of structures built with concrete. The illustrator’s use of speech bubbles on captivating color drawings along with the author’s short, informational texts combine for an engaging and informative picture book. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press. 

CONCRETE from Kids Britannica defines concrete and provides several examples in an easy-to-read format.

To read the article, go to https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/concrete/403923.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Concrete Network provides an introduction to concrete, its components, and its uses. Users can access numerous articles for further information.

To learn more, go to https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete.html.

WHAT IS CONCRETE? from Practical Engineering is a short video explaining the basics of concrete. Other videos in the series explore Roman concrete.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/UOHURuAf5iY.

Synergy: Architecture

Architecture is the art, science, and practice of designing and constructing structures such as buildings, bridges, and outdoor spaces.

Read the recently published work of nonfiction for youth then learn more at the website.

ADVENTURES IN ARCHITECTURE FOR KIDS by Vicky Chan is the second book in the new Design Genius Jr. series. The book features 30 design projects for children. Each hands-on activity explores a different aspect of STEAM discovery and learning associated with the architecture theme including general construction, architecture and history, landscape architecture, sustainable architecture, and city planning. Each project provides an overview, materials and tools needed, step-by-step instructions with photographs, and notes.

Architecture at Home is a web-based project from the Center for Architecture featuring two dozen, hands-on architecture activities for children. These short, easy design projects use readily available materials. Each project includes an overview, videos, step-by-step instructions, and a downloadable PDF.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2ZKb0u4.

Use the book and website in a makerspace exploring architecture themes.

ARC courtesy of Rockport Publishers, an imprint of the Quarto Group.

Book Review: From Here to There

FROM HERE TO THERE: A BOOK OF MAZES TO WANDER AND EXPLORE by Sean C. Jackson is a stunning book that combines beautiful art with engaging puzzles.

This engaging book provides an excellent introduction to art, architecture, and 3-D puzzles along with dozens of engaging mazes to complete. The author's introduction includes background information about mazes in general and also the 3-dimensional approach taken by the author/illustrator. The variety of mazes and the illustrator's use of color add to the book's appeal.

Each maze contains a starting point, ending point, and name. While most of the mazes are single pages, a few are two-page spreads. The combination of rural and urban settings along with natural and human-made landscapes make the book particularly appealing.

Librarians will find this book to be a popular addition to the nonfiction collection. Young people will enjoy how the mazes seem to define gravity. When sharing the book with children show images of M.C. Escher and discuss this technique.

ARC courtesy of the publisher.

App Review: Apprentice Architect

APPRENTICE ARCHITECT is an app the involves youth in exploring a work of architecture and creating their own designs.

Inspired by the designs of Frank Gehry, app users explore the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris and create their own designs.

In the My Sketchbook section, users choose a shape based on familiar objects, then add color, patterns, and backgrounds.

In the Look Around You section, students explore how a building is designed and how it works.

In the Where’s Frank section, users learn about architect Frank Gehry.

In the Does the Work? section, 360 degree photographs are used to help users explore the museum building.

The Take the Controls section, allows users to operate a crane and explore the glass panels of the building.

The My Studio section, provides tools for youth to create their own designs.

Librarians will find this app to be an engaging way to introduce architects and architecture. Add this app to a learning station that includes online resources and books about other famous architects and their works. Incorporate the LEGO Architecture set as a hands-on experience with designing a building.

To download the app, go to http://archimoi.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/.

Technology Review: The Story of Pelagie

THE STORY OF PELAGIE is an interactive app and website telling the story of an African American woman and her home in the 18th century.

Both the website and app tell the story of a former slave who became a free woman in Missouri. The interactive, digital story incorporates engaging video, primary source documents, and images from the historic Amoureux House. In addition to the story, a timeline is used to take readers through her life. Users can also go on an interactive home tour.

A teacher’s guide includes curriculum materials, lesson plans, resources, and activities to extend the experience. Links are provided to useful resources and documents to extend the experience.

Librarians will find this app and website to be useful in discussing history, culture, and architecture within the context of a specific person and place. Work with the social studies and history teacher to weave this rich, little-known history into the curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://amoureuxhouse.org/
To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/…/bauvais-amoureux-hou…/id853313105.

Website Review: Joy2Learn

JOY2LEARN is a website that brings art, music, and theater alive through multimedia experiences featuring famous artists.

Through seven, engaging interactives, learners explore topics including painting, piano, jazz, theater, dancing, sculpture, and architecture. For instance, actor Gregory Hines explores the history of tap dancing, the creative process, the techniques of tap, and the artists of tap. Along with the video segments, users examine images and complete activities. Teacher resources include artist biographies, online resources, and other materials.

Librarians will find these fascinating, interactive programs to be popular with art, music, and theater teachers seeking a multimedia way to introduce their students to key concepts.

To learn more, go to http://joy2learn.org/.