Lesson Overview:
Students will learn defining elements of classical Greek architecture by comparing the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. with the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. They will identify buildings in their communities that have elements of American Greek Revival architecture.
Length of Lesson:
Four 45-minute periods
Notes:
This lesson can be easily adapted for 9-12 ESOL classes
Instructional Objectives:
Students will:
- learn to recognize elements of American Greek Revival architecture
- compare and contrast the Parthenon and the Lincoln Memorial
- draw and label the parts of a classical Greek building
- recognize the orders of classical Greek columns
- identify an American Greek Revival building in their own community
Supplies:
- Pictures of the Parthenon
- Pictures of the Lincoln Memorial
- Pictures of local Greek Revival buildings
Instructional Plan:
Note: Prior to teaching this lesson, you will need to tour your community to locate and photograph examples of Greek Revival architecture. You can also contact your local historical society to request pictures and information about any Greek Revival style buildings in the community.
Day 1
Begin the lesson by taking a virtual tour of the Parthenon and of the Lincoln Memorial. As you "tour," introduce the following vocabulary words and show examples of them: capital, marble, pediments, frieze, post and lintel construction. A good source for definitions is Merriam-Webster Online Web site.
Engage the class in a discussion about the architectural elements of each building. Ask students how the Parthenon and the Lincoln Memorial are alike and record their responses on the board.
Following this discussion, distribute the handouts, Classic Greek Architecture Questions and Parthenon Pictures and have students complete them. Give students ten minutes to complete the activity and then discuss it. Direct students to make corrections as needed and to keep this handout for further reference.
Day 2
Review the vocabulary from the previous day's lesson. Distribute the handout, Greek Column Orders. Tell the class that there are three orders of Greek columns: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian and point them out on the handout. Using the handout, have students examine the columns asking them to note the similarities and differences. Students could make a Venn diagram with three overlapping circles to list these similarities and differences.
Tell students that there was an architectural style in America called the American Greek Revival style. Make sure students understand what revival means in architectural terms. This style of architecture was very important in America from about 1818-1850 and was found throughout the country. The American Greek Revival style was easy to adapt and was used in all types of buildings, from government structures to family homes. For additional information on this architectural style go to the Loggia Web site. Another good source is A Digital Archive of American Architecture from the Boston College Web site. These sites provide good examples of different buildings which use elements of Greek architecture. Select a few pictures to show to the class. Emphasize that the Lincoln Memorial is a good example of Greek Revival architecture even though it was built between 1911 and 1922.
Show students your photographs of Greek Revival architecture in the community. While doing this, again review the elements that make it a Greek Revival building. Next, tell students they are going to complete an activity in which they will locate a Greek Revival structure in the community. Distribute the handout, Greek Revival in Today's Community and review the assignment with the students.
Allow one week for the students to complete this project. Check student's progress mid-week. When students have completed their projects, have them share their work with the class.
Assessment:
Use the Assessment Rubric to assess your students' works.
Sources:
Print:
- Blumenson, John J. Identifying American Architecture. A Pictorial Guide to Styles and Terms, 1600-1945. New York, London: W.W. Norton, Second Edition, 1981.
- Glancey, Jonathan. The Story of Architecture. London, New York, Sydney, Delhi, Paris, Munich, and Johannesburg: Dorling Kindersley, 2000.
Web:
Authors:
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Phyllis Gron, ESL Teacher
Fairfax County Public Schools
Alexandria, VA
