“I would say this is a very fun and educational program, aligned with the curriculum (simple machine in structure is aligned with science unit) and therefore enriching.." 

R.C. - Parent

Programs

Kidspire offers an exciting educational enrichment program that inspires young minds to visualize, draw, and construct through fun hands-on architecture and design projects. Children will develop skills of observation, problem solving, critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and self-expression that are important to their success in all subjects.

In-school Residency Programs K-8
We explore architecture and design from different cultures worldwide (Africa, Middle East, China, South East Asia, Europe, and the Americas) and immerse students in project-based learning with art and 2D-3D design challenges and integrated STEAM lessons. Thus, building connections with their curriculum, community, and cultures everywhere while developing life-long learning skills.  

All residencies will include materials (with an additional fee for Premium Programs*), planning time with school staff, and age-appropriate projects. Class sessions run for 90 minutes. Residencies vary in length from six, eight, or ten sessions. We can also work with your school to tailor a program for a specific topic and scheduling needs. Each residency culminates with the presentation of the students' completed work. 

SAMPLE RESIDENCY TOPICS

Skyscrapers: My City (2-6)* (Our most popular program)
“My City” is an exciting architecture project that will engage students in an art, building, and design experience. This curriculum integrated program will enrich their knowledge of the city they live in. Every student will construct their own scale model of a New York City landmark building.    

Arches in Action (5-8)
Discover the architecture and engineering marvel of this graceful structure used in buildings and bridges and explore the use of this structural element in history. 

African Vernacular Architecture (3-8)
We will explore Africa's beautiful but disappearing vernacular architecture. Learn about their diverse materials and construction techniques and their impact on the environment.

Build a Bridge (5-8)
Learn how different bridge designs (arch, beam, truss, cantilever, suspension) work and explore other notable suspension bridges in New York City and worldwide. 

Communities (K-2)*
Students will build an architectural vocabulary and learn how to read architectural clues to determine building types in a community.  They will examine the relationships of a building’s architectural styles to its form and function; and will be engaged in working collaboratively in designing and constructing a model of an urban community/and or a skyline mural of a city.

Domes Around the World (3-6)
Domes are a marvel invention used everywhere, from simple homes to historic buildings. We will look at examples of this monumental structure worldwide and discover its importance in religious buildings and their cultural significance. Students will investigate the strengths and weaknesses of this form as they construct domes from simple materials.

Greek and Roman Architecture (3-6)
Students will learn about basic design elements of Greek and Roman Architecture and how American monumental buildings were influenced by these styles.  They will build an architecture vocabulary and construct a model of an American monument or a Greek structure. 

Green Building (3-8)
Learn about sustainable building practices and renewable characteristics of other materials used in other parts of the world. Students will learn about the design process and experiment with inventive 3D construction techniques to create 3D models in the class.

Islamic Architecture (5-8)
Explore the distinctive elements of Islamic architecture and their cultural significance, and examine intricate mosaics that fill mosques, palaces, and private homes. Students will use various drawing tools to compose 2D designs and 3D models.

Simple Machine in Structures (3-6)
In “Simple Machine in Structures”, each student will construct an architectural structure that has a simple but appropriately integrated working simple machine.  This curriculum integrated program will enrich students’ study of simple machines, force, gravity, and geometry.

In-school One Day Workshop (2-8)
This 90-minute workshop will immerse students in a fun, hands-on design project. Students will develop an understanding of the challenges of constructing a structure, learn how geometry plays a role in designing buildings, acquire an architecture vocabulary, and apply this knowledge when they build their models (which they can take home).  

For more information please contact us at info@kidspirenyc.com