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.

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/.

Website Review: Build with Chrome

The BUILD WITH CHROME website provides users skills and tools for building exciting digital LEGO projects.

The LEGO Master Builder Academy section takes users through a series of challenges to help develop LEGO construction skills. Users are provided with tools and directions for creating basic projects. Completion of projects leads to new levels.

The WORLD OF BUILD area provides a map showing LEGO projects that have been created around the world. Users can pick a spot and add their own work.

The LEGO Build section displays a plate and bricks. Users can build their own projects. Users can share their work with others by copying the URLs provided.

Librarians can use this website as part of a display featuring LEGO books, bricks, and other materials related to the LEGO theme.

To visit the website, go to https://www.buildwithchrome.com/.