K-12 Activities
AIA is regularly reviewing free K-12 architecture resources and activities for students and families to enjoy. These resources can be found below.
Thank you to the AIA chapters and members, Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO), and various Architecture Foundations for contributing to resource identification.
Special acknowledgement to the staff at AIA New York | Center for Architecture for their contribution to the identification of shareable K-12 resources online.
Architecture in Schools: Design Challenge 2020
Have you ever designed a solution to a problem? Want to catch a leprechaun or design more space for your stuffed animals and toys? Have you ever created a robot out of recycled materials? These and more are awaiting you in the Design Challenge 2020.
Architecture at Home
Looking out your window and using Google Maps are promising opportunities to think like an architect. You and your family can participate in these design challenges, which encourage using critical thinking, creativity, and communication.
Building Big
If you are interested in large structures like bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, and tunnels, then BUILDING BIG™ is the activity for you. Try your hand in the Labs (adobe flash required) about forces, materials, loads, and shapes. Building Big is not an easy job; take on Big challenges learning about all the professionals who work together to Build Big.
There are also architects who are known for their big creations:
PBS American Masters: Frank Gehry >
PBS American Masters: Eero Saarinen >
PBS American Masters: Charles and Ray Eames >
PBS American Masters: I.M. Pei >
ChildArt Magazine
This issue of ChildArt magazine, first published in April 2018, is dedicated to helping you learn about the role of architects and the buildings they design. It contains sixteen articles written by professionals who practice, teach, and write about this specialized field of work.
Creative Park by Canon
Any ink left in your printers? Canon provides free Paper Craft activities where you can print and fold iconic buildings from around the world into 3D models (Canon printer not required).
Creativity Connections
Take time to think, reflect, and create! Creativity Connections is a partnership between Next.cc and The School Zone Institute to bring architecture to children of all ages. Join in the weekly connections to make something extraordinary out of ordinary things.
designExplorr
DesignExplorr aims to address the diversity gap within the design profession and has a curated list of resources and websites.
Home Architecture Camp
AIA Cleveland presents a new  opportunity for families, students, and educators to explore the world of architecture and the build environment.
Kid Architecture
Kid Architecture will take you on an architectural journey in Indiana. Engage in hands-on activities that will use materials from around your home to create interesting buildings from around the state.
Kids Corner
Codes are an essential part of architecture and built environment. They ensure that all buildings will be safe for your friends and family.
Ask your parent(s) or guardian(s) to review the safety codes with you to ensure you have completed your training and earn your certificate as a Junior Code Official at the Kids Corner.
Lego Design Challenge
Join the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) on a weekly journey of using Legos to solve unique challenges and problems with architecture.
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Architects have many different friends in the built environment, including members of the American Planning Association, who helped to create and develop your community. They have come together to create a scavenger hunt to help you understand your community better.
Next.cc
NEXT.cc introduces what design is, what design does, and why design is important. This resource offers endless activities, videos, and design journeys for all ages.
Virtual Kids Art Activities
Architecture is a STEM discipline that connects to art. Choose five days and let your artistic ability shine with art-inspired activities at Cranbrook Art Museum's Virtual Kids Art Activities. Be sure to share your work on social media by tagging Cranbrook Art Museum (#CreatewithCAM).
Image credits
