Log Cabin Construction

Objective:

The objective of this lesson is to provide students with an understanding of pioneer construction and conservation.

Length of Lesson: 1 Hour

GCO:

      Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the past and         how it affects the present and the future.

SCOs:

            Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and vocabulary associated          with time, continuity and change

            Identify, evaluate and use appropriate primary and secondary sources to            learn and communicate about the past

            Research and describe historical events and ideas from different perspectives

            Apply historical methodology to interpret and understand time, continuity           and change at an age appropriate level

            Cross Curricular Links: Science, Language Arts, Visual Arts

Materials:

• Brown construction paper (20 cm by 30 cm)
• Scissors
• Tape
• Paper
• Pencil

Procedure:

• The teacher will explain to the class that people build their homes with materials that are available to them.
• The teacher will ask the class why the pioneers used logs and have them brainstorm answers as a class.
• Students will be asked to cut the construction paper in half and roll each piece in the shape of a log, making the logs 20 cm long.
• They will place tape at both ends and in the middle to hold the log together
• The students will each roll 28 logs
• They will be asked to find a way to build a cabin without using more tape or glue, which will be an introduction to conserving materials. Students will be asked why it is important to conserve and what are the ways that we conserve in today’s society?
• Once the cabins have been constructed the students will be asked to answer the following questions on  a sheet of paper

      What materials did you use to build your log cabin?

      What materials do you think the pioneers used?

      What tools did you use?

      What tools do you think the pioneers used?

Evaluation:

The teacher will monitor the construction of the cabins and evaluate the clarity and thoughtfulness of the student answers to the questions posed at the end of the lesson.