Academic Programs –> National Building Museum

National Building Museum

The centerpiece of this lesson is the National Building Museum's Green House program, during which students learn about traditional American architecture and the principles of sustainable design.  To prepare, students learn about life in 1700s America in five different regions: the Southwest, Midwest, Mississippi Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and New England.  They first study each region's weather and natural resources.  Then students explore the connection between those factors and architecture, discovering why, for example, Southwestern adobe houses had flat roofs and how Native American earthlodges were constructed.  Finally, students explore the concept of "green building" and what it means to create environmentally friendly homes.  While at the Building Museum, students actually construct model houses, while paying special attention to the environmental impact of their structures.

Students discuss architecture and sustainable design with an educator at the National Building Museum. (top left) After building model homes incorporating different architectural styles and sustainable features, students present their creations to their classmates. (top right) Students gather materials to build their homes. (right) Students at work building their homes. (below left and below right)

To see select archived trips to the National Building Museum, click on the links below.