My child built a Lego ziggurat / Activity Analysis

Activity: "My child built a Lego ziggurat"

History

• The child learned about ancient civilizations, specifically the ziggurats built by the ancient Mesopotamians.
• They gained an understanding of the architectural features of a ziggurat, such as the stepped structure and the purpose it served in ancient society.
• They explored the concept of cultural heritage and how ancient structures can provide insights into the beliefs and values of past civilizations.
• They developed an appreciation for the historical significance of the ziggurats and how they shaped the development of human civilization.

Math

• The child practiced spatial awareness and geometry skills while constructing the Lego ziggurat, as they had to align the bricks in specific patterns and angles.
• They applied measurement concepts as they counted and organized the Lego bricks, ensuring they had the required number of bricks for each step of the ziggurat.
• They explored the concept of scale and proportion by creating a proportional representation of a ziggurat using Lego bricks.
• They utilized problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any issues with stability or balancing of the Lego structure.

Science

• The child gained knowledge about the forces of gravity and balance as they built the Lego ziggurat, ensuring its stability and preventing it from toppling over.
• They learned about engineering principles by considering the structural integrity of the ziggurat and using their creativity to design a stable construction.
• They explored the concept of materials and their properties, as they worked with the Lego bricks to create the ziggurat.
• They engaged in hands-on learning and experimentation, observing how different placement and configurations of the Lego bricks affected the stability of the structure.

For continued development, encourage your child to explore other architectural wonders of the world, such as the Pyramids of Egypt or the Great Wall of China. They can research and build models of these structures using various materials, fostering their curiosity and understanding of different cultures and historical periods.

Book Recommendations

• The Ancient Mesopotamians by Virginia Schomp: This book provides an in-depth look at the ancient Mesopotamian civilization, including their architecture and the significance of ziggurats.
• Building Amazing Structures by Tammy Enz: This book explores various architectural marvels from around the world, including the ziggurats, and provides engaging facts and activities for young learners.
• Engineering Marvels: The Great Wall of China by Nel Yomtov: While not directly about ziggurats, this book introduces children to another remarkable architectural feat and encourages them to think about engineering and construction.