After reading the post on Hands-on Architecture, you might find these resources valuable in your studies:
Architecture Through the Ages
by Talbot Hamlin. A wonderful book showing lots of details about engineering and architecture within the context of history. Many developments changed the history of the world, like the arch or stirrups for saddles. This book tells about the period of history, not just the buildings which were built.
Castle
by David Macaulay. A DVD about the building of an imaginary castle, Lord Kevin’s. In 1277 -1305, several castles were built to aid in the conquest of Wales. Lord Kevin’s castle and town is modeled after these actual castles. An interesting tale showing the details of castle building.
[amazon_link id=”0395349222″ target=”_blank” ]City: A Story of Roman Planning and Construction[/amazon_link]
by David Macaulay. Verbonia, an imaginary Roman city, is built and populated in this book. Once again, Macaulay creates a ‘real’ pretend city with all the problems and virtues of a Roman town. Many engineering tools and techniques are discussed. This is a good book from which to study the Roman construction methods with younger students.
Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-rings: The World of an Engineer 
by James L Adams. Adams looks at several different angles of engineering. Architectural engineering is just one aspect of engineering discussed. Using some of the most famous failures of modern times, Adams goes over the methods designers use to put together design and practicality. A very interesting book for your older students.
Machines, Buildings, Weaponry of Biblical Times
by Max Schwartz. Using this reference book will enhance your Scripture study. Schwartz, a civil engineer himself, helps us understand how the ancients built, what they build with, and how well the buildings stood up to the test of time. He includes many drawings and diagrams. The reading level is upper elementary and so the book is easy to understand.
The Story of Engineering
by J. Gardner Bennett. This is an older book, but it has lots of interesting details about the earlier “modern’ building techniques and materials. It is fun to read and also gives the reader the idea that engineering is a praiseworthy occupation.
Architecture: Residential Drawing and Design
by Clois E. Kicklighter and Ronald J. Baird. This book is a great chapter-by-chapter systematic study of the planning and building of a house. Residential building is well covered and there are plenty of suggestions for projects like models at the end of each chapter. Many drafting assignments are in this section, too.
Mesa Verde National Park- Curriculum Materials (U.S. National Park Service) Definitely check out this site if you are planning a visit to Mesa Verde to view the Pueblo Houses made by the Anasazi Indians. Activities range from learning about the history of the region to playing I Spy once you get there, so suitable for a wide age range.
Do you have any other great resources to share? Leave a comment and let us know about them!
