New book for schoolchildren puts SIUE professor in architectural spotlight |
Maureen Hagrman |
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The study of architecture is the key for learning in almost any subject, according to Joseph Weber, a professor in the art and design department. Weber is the author of a book titled "Architecture Everywhere: Exploring the Built Environment of Your Community." The book is geared toward parents and teachers of fifth- through 12th-grade students. Weber said his book examines buildings and structures and a child's psychological and mental connections to them. "It is intended for middle school teachers and students as a way to use architecture to explore a man-built environment," Weber said. Through associations with structures, students can learn about themselves and their heritage and current environment, Weber said. Weber said the book starts with students exploring special types of buildings and seeing how the buildings have evolved. According to Weber, buildings change based on the needs of the time, so the study of these structures shows students who people are, and how people and their needs have changed. Weber encourages using these learning connections and man-built environments to teach math, science, history, language arts, art and the humanities. Weber said architecture serves as an entry point for learning across lines, and almost any subject can be taught by teaching the students in ways they learn best. Weber said by gaining students' interest in one aspect of a discipline, a teacher could incorporate more into the lesson. This book could help students understand history, math, language and communication, since architecture employs all of these disciplines, Weber said. Through reading and learning about architecture, students can connect to their own particular life, stature or ethnicity, since different buildings have very different styles, Weber said. "This book is trying to help kids understand their man-built environment and their community surrounding them," Weber said. | |