Do you have a child fascinated by all things architecture? My son was that way for many years. I found that helping him to explore his passions was a great way to approach homeschool education. The earlier you can instill a love of learning into your children the more you will help them to become independent learners. And, isn’t that the goal of education? That’s why I’ve gathered this amazing list of architectural engineering ideas and resources to incorporate into homeschooling. This can help moms who have engineering minded kids to find the resources needed to learn about architecture from home.
Throughout this blog I talk about homeschooling gifted kids. Children who have a mental capacity to learn at an increased rate from that which is typical of other children. And, that’s one of the reasons why I am sharing this list of architectural resources.
But whether you feel your child fits that category or not this list should provide a wealth of ideas and resources to help you get started exploring design engineering. I understand such a topic can seem out of reach for many homeschooling moms, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the great things about Homeschooling is that you can help your children find what they are interested in and help them to explore those ideas to see if it’s just a passing interest or may lead to a lifelong career.
Architecture can be explored from a variety of ways. You can approach it from an artistic exploration of just seeing and observing the beauty in structures, or from a scientific engineering mindset to dive into a study of engineering and how it works. This can lead to studies of geometry, physics, and even geology. Architecture is where art and science come together in a cohesive way.
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Must Have Architectural Engineering Books – 8
Architectural Websites for Kids to Explore
- Arch for Kids
- Architecture is Fun
- ArKIDecture
- CUBE – Center for Understanding the Built Environment
- KidSearch – Wiki – Architecture
- Kids Think Design – Architecture
- Science & Kids – Structure Images
10 Architects to Study
- Frank Lloyd Wright
- Frank Gehry
- I. M. Pei
- Zaza Hadid
- Philip Johnson
- Tom Wright
- Mies Van Der Rohe
- Renzo Piano
- Jean Nouvel
- Antonio Gaudi
Free Cad and Drawing Programs
- 3D Slash App – A free PC download, but you do need to register.
3D Slash Web Version – Free use, but there are more limitations due to web browser functionality than the app. - 3D Tin – Afree use, web based program, all you need is Google Chrome and install it as an app.
- Blender – A free open source, 3D creation software.
- FreeCAD – an open source, customizable, parametric 3D modeler.
- Gimp – (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) a free software downloadable open source image editor.
- Inkscape – a free downloadable vector graphics editor.
- Kerkythea – a freeware software that allows you to produce
- Sketchboard – free download, sketch oriented cad program.
- SketchUp – Choose SketchUp Make for Educational Purposes, a free download.
- TinkerCad – a free online browser based 3D Design and modeling tool.
Architectural Engineering Building Toys & Games
I’m a firm believer in learning through play. I think the more hands on a person can be the more they’ll learn how to use, create and adapt. Through play children learn to not be afraid to try new things. They aren’t afraid of failure when the goal is fun. As such, I offer you these options to introduce your children to concepts in architecture as well as some options for older kids to explore in a hands on way.
For Kids
For Teens
Curriculum & Activities for Architectural Engineering
- American Institute of Architects – Triangle, Architects in the Classroom
- ArKIDecture Lessons for Kids
- Architecture & Structures – Pitsco Education
- Architecture! It’s Elementary Lesson Plans
- Building Architectural Models
- Frank Lloyd Wright Education
- FUPA Architecture Games
- Earthquake-Proof Engineering for Skyscrapers
- Learn 4 Good – Building Games & Construction Simulation Games
- PBS Building Big
- Squaring the Circle: Geometry in Art and Architecture (Mathematics Across the Curriculum)
- Teach Children Well – Architecture
- Castle Lesson Plans (Blick Art)
Architectural Engineering Videos
- A Master Architect asks, Now What?
- Ancient Roman Architecture
- Architecture Size Comparison, 3D
- Building Foam Board Models
- Citibloks Construction
- DIY Cardboard House
- Popsicle Stick Mansion
- Gothic Architecture
- How to Build a Wooden Model House
- Introduction to Greek Architecture
- Keva Plank Construction
- Modern Architectural Building
- Paper House
- Pyramids
- Skyhouse, An Architect’s Version
- Why Buildings of the Future will be Shaped by You
- Sketches of Frank Gehry
- Great Minds of Design you will need to have a subscription to Curiosity Stream.
- Most Famous Buildings in the World
- Tallest Building Concept Never Built
Architectural Engineering Drawing Supplies
Of course the best way to build skill is through practice. Letting a child explore their interests can’t get more simple than giving them the tools needed and then getting out of their way to let them explore their ideas. With pencil and paper a simple sketch can grow to a model which just might become the next most beautiful structure the world has ever seen.
I’ll be the first to admit that I personally don’t know a lot about architecture. I’ve developed a love for the beauty that exists in the geometric and design aspects of buildings. But, I can’t for the life of me imagine how one goes from a mental concept to the incredible structures that are works of art. But, I also realize, it’s not for me to know and understand those things. It’s for those who have the kind of visionary minds to see beyond the page to what can become reality.
Do you have a child who sees structures forming in his/her head, then draws it with a few short geometric patterns? How do you help them to foster their interests? Click the comment box below to tell me how you’re fostering a love of architecture or STEM into your children.
I have four, but older two have graduated. My son is a freshman in high school and enjoys life science, but has not interest in other science. I also have a 9 year old daughter who loves all things science. She enjoys looking at things under the microscope, doing chemistry experiments, and playing with her snap circuits. She is my science kid.
Isn’t it so interesting how different kids are. I love how your son is interested in life science but not other sciences. That shows his unique individuality compared to your daughter who likes all things science.
I just have one boy so far. He is a little young for these books, but I have 4 brothers and 3 are engineers so this is right up their alley!
Yes! This was written more for later elementary through middle school. But it’s never too early to start inspiring… 😉
How fun to have a family of engineers. Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t have any kids yet other than fur babies, but we are actively trying!
Blessings to you and your family.
Lots of good stuff! Thanks for sharing.
I have a 9yo, a 4yo, and a 1yo! Great things here. Just a heads up some of the Amazon ads must not be showing up because I don’t see all of the books listed (just an empty space)! I’d love to see which ones you selected! I’ll definitely forward this list to the parents of the kids in my STEM co-op class!
Oh no!
Are you by chance on mobile? I’ll go back and add in text links as well. Bummer! Thanks for the heads up.
I have two kids. My daughter is 16, and my son is 6. They are the loves of my life!
That’s awesome! Yes our kids do become our loves don’t they? It’s incredible really the bond that exists.
I have 9 kids ranging in age from 1 up to 16.
I have several nieces and nephews but no children of my own yet. My nieces and nephews range from age 6 to 16.
We have three children; ages 23, 19, and 11. My youngest two love everything science!
Thank you so much for your efforts to curate this phenomenal resources list! I teach STEM classes for remote learners in grades 4-6 and couldn’t be more impressed and grateful for your work here.
Thanks so much for commenting Marie and letting me know. So glad you are able to use this list to help you find quality resources for your STEM class.
This is a great list. My son is about to turn 12 and is one eyed for design, architecture and urban planning. He has other interests but this is the focus atm. He had started doing edex courses to explore the depths more and just loves creating models with materials as well as with software.
That’s awesome Tam! Yes that’s the age my son was when he got interested in these.