Getting it Wright at the Museum of Science and Industry… Wednesday, Jun 10 2009

Frank Lloyd Wright's House

Our morning started off with a jaunt to Oak Park, where we were given a chance to see the exterior and interior of Frank Lloyd Wright’s House and Studio.  I have always known that Wright’s ideas were advanced but today after listening to the tour guide, Monte, it was confirmed.  Monte told us that Wright had designed 1200 structures, 460 of which were built (30 homes or remodels in Oak Park).  76 structures had been destroyed after being built.  Wright personally was a horrible man, but he was such a talented man…Monte, said that he would design formal dresses that complimented his structure for the lady of the house to wear while entertaining guests.  As I thought how to tie this into my classroom, I focused on all of the geometric shapes and angles that we could study.  I also thought I could tie in the cause/effect with the studio being held by chains.  One last thing I contemplated doing is having my students design structures, build them and then test them to see if they can hold a certain amount of weight.  While I was in the bookstore, I picked up two books ”Frank Lloyd Wright for Kids” and a geometrical design coloring book.  The Wright book for kids has background information for me to provide to my students, in addition to several activities in various steps of architecture.  I just feel this would be a great way to introduce my students to noticing the layout and designs of buildings.  I also want them to be able to realize how many skills are required to be a good architect.  Swink just built a new gym, I thought we could study those pictures and get a feel for the steps needed to proceed to the finished project.  The coloring book will be a great way to talk about geometric shapes and angles, since my students struggle with some of them as they become three-dimensional forms.

World's Fair all light up

It worked out great that we hit the Museum of Science and Industry next, because Wright’s name popped up when Richard was talking about the Transportation Building for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.  As I looked in the various rooms set up, I wished that Colorado had something like this for our students to be able to utilize.  I thought that once the UCLA website gets Colorado’s building and the rest of the Midway up on the virtual tour, that would be something I would like to show my students.  I want to get across to my students how innovative and technologically advanced the World’s Fair was, by rattling off things that were introduced and still exist almost 115 years!  I thought through pictures  my students could compare and contrast the Midway of the World’s Fair to the Arkansas Valley and/or State Fair.

Step on for water

I should mention the visit to U.S. Cellular Field was pleasantly surprising, very beautiful field.  But for those of you back home reading this, I am not deserting my Cubbies!!!!!!!  Also, I am very glad I spent the extra money and went and saw the Harry Potter exhibit!  Although, it is too complex a book for my students, I personally have become addicted.  Today was a good day! 

The view of US Cellular Park from my seat