Structures Inquiry Mrs. Martins and Ms. Campolieti's Class

The children have been building structures with a variety of blocks and have shown a strong interest in this area so we have started an inquiry based on our observations. We started with a web documenting what the children know about structures. We transformed our dramatic centre to a building centre with straws and connectors, large wood blocks and today crazy forts. The children have built many structures. On day two we read a book that talked more about what you actually need to build a tower. The children learned and wrote words such as superstructure, cement, skeleton, foundation. The children were encouraged to write these words on the pictures they drew. On day three they watched a movie about how buildings are built and what the role of engineers and architects are. On day four we asked the children what they would like to learn as we continue our inquiry. We also started to show how blueprints and plans are needed before a structure goes up. We will continue our project next week and will continue to follow the children's lead.