Student Days are two hour workshops for K-12 school groups (30 students max) visiting the Center for Architecture. Programs are adapted to meet the abilities of different age groups. Recommended ages are noted. Program cost is $300 per workshop M - F; $350 on weekends. 1-hour Exhibition Tours are $100. 2-hour Exhibition Program Student Day ($300) includes an exhibit tour and related hands-on workshop. A $30 fee will be added for scheduling a 30-minute lunch break at the Center.
To book a Student Day please submit a Request Form
Current Program Offerings:
THE LANGUAGE OF ARCHITECTURE (grades K - 6)
Students will learn how to ‘read’ buildings for clues about their design and function as they observe and sketch architectural elements through an interactive slide show or neighborhood walk (weather permitting May - October). Using these new concepts, students will then design their own building facades.
STRUCTURES AND STRENGTH: SKYSCRAPERS (grades K - 12)
Students will learn about the structural systems that support tall buildings through an interactive slide talk and hands-on demonstrations. Students then create and test their own models of a skyscraper’s structural frame.
CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE / SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM DUAL VISIT PROGRAM (grades K - 12)
In this joint program offering, classes begin with a 40-minute tour of the Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park then head to the Center for Architecture for a 75-minute model-building workshop exploring the structure and design of skyscrapers. We book and schedule both parts of the program. Title I discount not available.
BUILDING BRIDGES (grades 2 - 12)
Students learn about the design and structure of four different types of bridges (beam, arch, truss and suspension) and how each works to support the load of traffic and span long distances. Each student then creates their own working suspension bridge model to take home.
GREEN BUILDINGS (grades 3 - 12)
Students work with our modified version of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) checklist to create a model of a green structure. The checklist will challenge students to think about the importance of site planning, improving energy efficiency, conserving materials and resources, enhancing indoor environmental quality, and capturing rain and gray water for reuse.
SCALE MODEL BUILDING (grades 4 - 12)
In this program, students hone their measurement and math skills as they create their own scale building models. Students create ½” = 1’ scale rulers and scale figures and use these to design and build their own scale apartment models and furnishings. A fun way to enrich your math curriculum!
NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN (grades 5 – 12)
Students work in groups to create a model of an ideal neighborhood based on planning and zoning guidelines. Students come to understand how neighborhoods develop and the complex factors that shape the growth of cities.
BUILD A GEODESIC DOME (grades 5 – 12)
The whole class participates in putting together a 14 foot geodesic dome, a unique structural form made famous by engineer and inventor Buckminster Fuller. Students build individual models to take home, based on the geometry of the dome. (At least four adults chaperones required.)
EXHIBITION PROGRAMS (grades 2 - 12)
One-hour exhibition tours can be extended with a one-hour hands-on workshop exploring the themes presented in the exhibition.
Support is also provided by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.