Columns have been an essential part of architectural designs for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome. As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to educate our students about the significance of columns in architecture, the different types of columns, and how they’ve been used throughout history.
The first step in teaching students about columns in architecture is to give them a brief history lesson. Ancient Greek architecture heavily featured the use of columns in their buildings, and the three main types of columns used were the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns. Each of these columns has a unique design, with the Doric being the simplest and the Corinthian being the most ornate.
As you delve deeper into the history of architecture, it’s important to highlight the role that columns have played in different structures. For example, the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, is known for its Doric columns, while the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens features Corinthian columns. The use of columns wasn’t limited to ancient Greek architecture, and they’ve also been used in other styles like Roman, Neoclassical, and Gothic architecture.
One way to make this lesson more engaging for students is to have them create models of different types of columns. For example, you could provide them with materials like paper, cardboard, and tape and have them design a Doric column. This could be a fun way to get students to use their creative thinking skills while also learning about the different types of columns.
Another great way to teach students about columns in architecture is to take them on a field trip to visit a building that features columns. This could be a local courthouse, government building, or even a museum. Encourage your students to analyze and observe the columns, paying attention to their size, shape, and the materials used to construct them.
