Architects draft blueprints before building to ensure that the structure follows a desired form while being safe and functional. Without blueprints it would be impossible to construct any building from homes to skyscrapers. Students can start their model homes by drawing their own unique blueprints.
Provide each student with an 8-by-10-inch piece of white drawing paper. If you are constructing a class model as a group, you will still give each student his own piece of paper. This allows students to come up with their own ideas to share later during the group building process.
Give each student a blue colored pencil, ruler, compass, protractor and any other measuring device that is handy. Invite the students to measure and draw a plan for their model house. Make sure to include walls, doorway and window spaces, separate rooms such as bathrooms and bedrooms and measurements. Encourage the students to make a few different views such as a cross section or bird's eye view.
Working in a group allows students of any grade level to learn from each other, share ideas and opinions, take perspectives and build team working skills. Start with a discussion of the individual blueprints. Have each student hold up her plan and explain the design.
Take a poll of what to include in the actual model. Write a list on the chalk board of the chosen architectural features such as arches or columns, room layout suggestions and dimensions.
Convert measurements from feet to inches to provide a scale for your model. For example, one foot will equal one inch.
Assign building jobs or come to a class decision about who will do what. Jobs may include cutting paper and board, gluing and assembly, adding decorative touches, making measurements and testing the sturdiness of the structure.
Set the materials out on a group work surface or push desks together to form one larger space. Ask each group of students to work on their assigned task.
Measure and cut pieces of cardboard to make the floor, walls and top of the house. Glue them together at the sides to make box shapes. Add pieces of tape to secure the structure until the glue dries. You may want to keep one wall open to see inside. As an easy alternative use a few shoe boxes, with one for each room. Simply lay the box on its side lengthwise with the opening facing out for a cross section view.
Use a ruler and pencil to draw windows and doors onto your boxes. Cut out the doors and windows or glue on cut construction paper.
Design floors. Use markers or paints to make wooden slats, tile, a colorful carpet or a patterned area rug on the bottom of the boxes.
Add furniture that is appropriate for each room. Cut construction paper or cardstock into rectangles that are no larger than 3-by 5-inches. Draw the furniture items on with markers. Fold at the bottom to make a small tab. Tape or glue the tab to the bottom of the box. Another option is to use small boxes such as a jewelry or toothpaste box to make items such as beds and couches.
Stack the boxes into your overall home design. For example, place the living room, dining room and kitchen boxes on the bottom next to each other and the bedroom and bathroom boxes on top. Glue or tape the boxes together. Add a cut piece of cardboard to the back with glue to secure the entire model together.