There has long been a myth that being highly skilled in science, math, and art was the necessary formula to success as an architect. In reality, architects don’t have to be extraordinary in every area of architecture to do well; the work of architecture is often team based, each person’s strengths complementing those of other architects and project team members.
These resources from NCARB for students, teachers, and guidance counselors are a great place to start your exploration – as are the activities, books, and more below!
AIA: Slide deck based on NCARB’s Architecture Guidebook to be used as an introduction to architecture. Email k12@aia.org to receive an editable version. (Also shown on the Architecture for Teens section of this website.)
AIA Kansas City (K-6): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
AIA Kansas City (7-12): A slide deck created to teach students what an architect does, design thinking, the stages of design, and how to become an architect.
Build Girls: National, 9-12 (Spring)
Cooper Hewitt Design Challenge: National, 9-12
DiscoverArchitecture.org: Nationwide Competition (Fall), International Competition (Fall); International sustainable design competition (Winter), 9-12
Norwich University School of Architecture + Art: National, 9-12 (Fall)
Youth Challenge Biomimicry Institute: International, 6-12
Architects Foundation: Nationwide, Grade 12 and enrolling in a NAAB-accredited architecture degree program
AIA Build the Block (6-12): Guided virtual design challenge
AIA Lesson Plans (K-5): Hot in here!, Shelter in the midst, Wellness in the warehouse, Fitting in
AIA Lesson Plans (6-12): From tetrahedral conception to creation, Net zero launch, Holding on through the hurricane, Diminutive dwellings, Energy expertise, Creating in your community, At the heart of homelessness
American Planning Association (K-12)
Arch for Kids (K-12)
Ask Nature (Biomimicry) (K-12)
ASTEK (4-6)
Careers Building Communities (K-12)
Climate 101: An Interactive Dictionary about Climate Change (K_12)
Climate Generation: Multiple free K12 resources
Fairy-Tale Fixers: LACArch-created design prompts for middle school students to use with well-known fairy tales
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (K-12)
K-12 Architecture Education: An Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide (K-12)
NEXT.cc STEAM by Design (K-12)
School Design and its Impact on Health and Well-Being (K-12) (an excellent discussion point for student observations of the space around them): Well Building Standard, Promoting Student & Teacher Wellness through K-12 School Design, K-12 School Design That Prioritizes Wellness: How Can We Better Support the Mental and Physical Health of Our Students?
Stanford’s d.school (K-12)
The House That She Built (K-3)
The Trades Toolkit for Libraries (K-12)
Urban Plan (11-12): Specific for economics and government courses.
US Department of Education (9-12): Annual HS challenges
USGBC (K-12)
Learn more about the education required and the path to becoming an architect.
Explore NAAB-accredited programs (required for licensure in MN) in Minnesota, the Midwest, and beyond, as well as other architecture-related degrees.
by Daniel D'Agostino (Kindle: career guide)
The specifics of this combination of three requirements varies somewhat across the nation, but these core elements are consistent. Find out Minnesota's requirements and how to meet them.
Held the first day of the Minnesota State Fair (late August) near the Grandstand. Our volunteers would be happy to talk with you about incorporating architecture and architects into your learning experiences and student activities!
