Beacon Students Engineer Iconic Structures in Scale Models

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Students at Beacon Middle School's Cape Accelerated Program recently completed an interdisciplinary project where they researched famous structures from around the world, drafted blueprints, and then constructed scale model replicas using recycled materials. The project challenged them to think like architects, engineers, historians, and poets as they brought these iconic landmarks to life.

Why it matters

This project allowed students to deeply engage with subjects like history, math, and engineering in a hands-on, creative way. By building scale models, they developed a stronger appreciation for the design and construction of famous structures while also honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The details

Students began by selecting a famous structure to research, compiling their findings into informational posters. They then drafted detailed blueprints and applied mathematical scaling principles to convert the real-world dimensions into smaller, proportionally accurate replicas. Using recycled materials, students engineered impressive architectural models that reflected their ingenuity and craftsmanship. To further showcase their learning, students also composed original odes reflecting on their creative process.

• The project was recently completed by seventh-grade students in Beacon Middle School's Cape Accelerated Program.
• The unit will culminate with students producing stop-motion videos featuring their scale models.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The unit will culminate with students producing stop-motion videos featuring their scale models.