LEAD (Learning through Engineering, Architecture and Design)

In the LEAD Program, Salvadori educators come to your classroom to co-teach projects based on the built environment topic that you select from the list below.

LEAD includes a 2-hour professional development session, a 2-hour planning session, 8 classroom sessions, and weekly planning meetings. We require an extended class period for our hands-on activities—1 to 1½ hours is optimal—and will work with a maximum of 4 classes daily.

Choose one of these Topics

Bridges: Students learn the math and physics forces at play in the design and construction of various types of bridges: truss, arch, suspension, and more. Appropriate for grades K-12, with projects differentiated according to developmental levels.

My Community: Through the construction of a scaled model of their own neighborhood, students investigate the range of buildings, facilities, jobs, and services that make up a healthy and functioning community. Grades K-2

Skyscrapers: Students investigate how skyscrapers are built, learning about the technological, engineering and architectural advances that make these enormous structures possible. Through constructing models of iconic structures, students deepen their understanding of measurement, scale, and proportion. Grades K-12

Dream Spaces: Through investigative design experiences, students learn how to read and use a ruler; to measure and estimate; and to identify and create shapes and forms. They use scaling and mapping skills—as well as their imaginations—to design and build a model of their ideal classroom or dwelling. Grades 3-12

Landmarks: Monuments and Memorials: Students study the historical and cultural significance of these important structures. They learn to apply scale and budgeting to a monument or memorial of their own design. Grades 3-12

The Architecture of New York: By combining aesthetics with the application of science and math, students study the social history and geography of New York City as seen through its distinctive architecture. Grades 2-8

Green Design: Students investigate how to design, build, and select materials to create environmentally responsible structures. They conduct an environmental assessment, and plan and construct a model green building that meets the particular needs of their community. Grades 4-12