Education

Rebekah Laurenzi<br>Rebekah Laurenzi at the 2009 Paul R. Williams Summer Institute

The Education section provides teachers with tools to teach architecture in K-12 classrooms. Here you will find:

  • Lesson plans 
  • Glossary of architectural terms
  • Access to a community of professionals in a variety of fields including architects, architectural historians, educators (Education Blog)
  • Literature for Youth (K-12 reading list)
  • Bibliography of resources for teachers
  • Resilience Theory
  • 2010 and 2009 Paul R. Williams Summer Institutes

Paul R. Williams was a successful architect. He had a vision. He overcame obstacles to achieve his dream and eventually become known as the “architect to the stars.” Teachers can use our GALLERY for examples of his architectural designs. The GALLERY essays provide social context for the buildings and the people who lived there.

Paul R. Williams wanted to be an architect. He was told by his teachers that because he was African American he would not succeed. Williams proved them wrong and found a way to reach his goal. He is an example of resilience and a role model for us all.

Our lesson plans use resilience and architecture to prepare students for their world. Resilience is the belief in a person’s ability to overcome adversity. Developing a set of protective characteristics (sense of purpose, vision, mastery of a skill, problem solving abilities, and success in social situations) may help students cope with their life challenges.

We want to share what you are doing in your classroom and will showcase pictures of students and their final products. A completed release form (PDF download) will be required for every student.

 

 

Photograph: Rebekah Laurenzi at the 2009 Paul R. Williams Summer Institute.