Core Skills Analysis
Geography
- Gained an understanding of a famous global landmark and its location in Paris, France.
- Recognized the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of French culture and history.
- Explored the geographical context by identifying Europe on a world map to place the Eiffel Tower in a larger global framework.
- Developed spatial awareness through visualizing the height and structure of the tower relative to its surroundings.
History
- Learned about the historical significance of the Eiffel Tower, including its construction for the 1889 World's Fair.
- Understood the engineering and innovation challenges of the 19th century associated with the tower’s design by Gustave Eiffel.
- Discussed how the Eiffel Tower influenced architectural developments and became a symbol of technological advancement.
- Explored changes in public perception of the tower, from controversy to pride.
Art and Culture
- Appreciated the Eiffel Tower as an artistic and architectural masterpiece.
- Noted the use of iron as a medium and how its design blends functionality with aesthetic appeal.
- Explored cultural traditions related to the tower such as festivals, lighting, and its role in movies and art.
- Recognized the Eiffel Tower’s influence on popular culture worldwide.
Tips
To deepen your child's understanding of the Eiffel Tower and its multifaceted importance, consider integrating hands-on craft projects such as building models using recycled materials or creating a timeline of its construction. Map exercises can help situate the tower within a larger global context and reinforce geography skills. Reading children’s books or watching documentaries about Paris and the tower can spark curiosity about cultural diversity. Finally, encourage imaginative writing by asking your child to pretend they visited the Eiffel Tower and describe their experiences or draw a postcard from Paris.
Book Recommendations
- Eiffel Tower (Landmarks) by Christine Taylor-Butler: A well-illustrated introduction to the history and facts about the Eiffel Tower suitable for young readers.
- The Invention of the Eiffel Tower: A Brilliant Story for Kids by Margaret V. Sullivan: This book narrates the story of the Eiffel Tower’s invention with engaging and age-appropriate language.
- E is for Eiffel Tower: An A to Z of France by Jackie Gaff: A fun alphabet book that explores French culture, including the Eiffel Tower, through vibrant illustrations and facts.
Learning Standards
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3 - Describe the connection between a series of historical events or concepts (e.g. construction of the Eiffel Tower).
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.4 - Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words related to geography and history.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.3 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences (e.g. writing a diary entry).
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.7 - Use information gained from illustrations and words in text to demonstrate understanding of geography and culture.
Try This Next
- Create a step-by-step drawing worksheet guiding to sketch the Eiffel Tower's iconic shape.
- Develop a quiz with questions on facts learned about the Eiffel Tower’s history and geography.
- Write a short story or diary entry pretending to be a visitor experiencing the Eiffel Tower.
- Build a simple 3D model using craft sticks or recycled materials to understand its structure.