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Greek Columns lesson for elementary

April 14, 2014 Ticia 12 Comments

I remember learning about Greek columns in high school, and being amused by the different lessons.  When I saw in our Illuminations schedule we were starting the Greeks I immediately ran to the internet to remind myself of Greek columns so I could plan out a Greek Column lesson for elementary kids, because I don’t think my high school lesson would work for them.

Identifying Greek Columns

Greek Columns lesson supplies

toilet paper roll, play dough, paper for taking notes

 

As a side note, when we first started reading about the Greeks in Mystery of History 1, I was very disappointed they didn’t really talk about their architecture, but then several weeks later there was a whole lesson on it.  So, note to self remember to look AHEAD in your schedule and not just assume you’re adding in something totally awesome that’s not covered.

back to the

Greek Columns lesson for elementary

Doric Column

First we have the Doric Greek Column, the most simple.  This let me introduce the basic features of a column (great simple illustrations).

learn the parts of a greek column

Every Greek column has to have: a capital, a shaft, a base or pedistal (they are different parts sometimes, it has both).

Doric Greek columns are the most simple, being made up of simple shapes.

Identifying Greek columns Ionic

Ionic Greek columns are more complex.  They add in scrolls and curlicues to the capital and the base.

Identifying Greek columns Corinthian Column

Corinthian Greek columns are the most elaborate.  They have scrolls, curlicues, leaves, and flowers in the capital and the base.

After we’d looked at and built the 3 Greek columns we talked about the differences, and what they tell you about the society.  Doric columns are built by people who need a building, it’s quick, and relatively easy.  Ionic is built by someone who has some more time and money, and are able to take the time to add in some extra flourishes.  But the Corinthian columns, those are the most time-consuming and most expensive.  It takes great skill and time to make those columns.  Not coincidentally, Corinth was one of the most wealthy Greek city-states.

Now build your own Greek Column

build your own greek column

The kids loved this assignment.  Once we’d learned about the actual Greek columns I gave them free reign to make their own.

Build your own Greek Column lesson requirements:

  1. It has to have the needed parts: capital, shaft, and base
  2. You must have a name for it
  3. You must be able to draw it and explain your design

Design and build your own Greek columns

And build and build and build their Greek columns they did.  Here’s their final results:

Chariot Column design

Superman, and I only know this because it’s blue play dough, built a chariot column.  It cracked me up to see his drawing, but he was so proud of it.

Flower column design

Princess made a flower column.  Notice on the diagram there are flowers all over the thing.

And Batman’s has disappeared into the night somewhere.

Other great Greek Columns lessons for elementary or cool Greek stuff

All Things Beautiful Greek column lesson

Highhill Homeschool Greek column lesson

Ancient Greece activities roundup

history 3rd grade, Ancient Greece, ancient history

Comments

  1. Lindsay @ BytesofMemory says

    April 14, 2014 at 10:10 am

    Great hands on lesson!!

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Thanks! We had so much fun with it.

  2. Marie-Claude Leroux says

    April 14, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Yes, indeed, great hands on – and great idea to use playdoh.

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Much better than the paper mache I’d seen on other places.

  3. Phyllis at All Things Beautiful says

    April 14, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    I am sure they will not forget the parts of a column after doing this lesson!

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Fingers crossed!

  4. Natalie says

    April 14, 2014 at 6:42 pm

    Love it, love it, love it! By the way, Princess’s column reminds me of something quite different 😀

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:26 am

      Oh gosh…..

  5. MaryAnne @ mama smiles says

    April 14, 2014 at 7:01 pm

    I love Superman’s chariot column! I learned about columns in fifth grade in France, and I have always remembered that lesson. Partly because we learned by seeing examples in a local chateau (benefits of living in Europe) and partly because I remember studying and studying for the tests.

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:27 am

      That is one reason I wouldn’t mind living overseas for a while to see all of the amazing history.
      Now my ability to learn and pronounce other languages….. That part I wouldn’t do so well with.

  6. Julie says

    April 17, 2014 at 12:34 am

    I like they way you used dough on your columns.

    Reply
    • Ticia says

      April 17, 2014 at 8:27 am

      Thank you.

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Ticia Adventures in Mommydom Hi, I'm Ticia! This is the adventures of my family in life and learning. Follow along with us as we share our adventures. We're having a lot of fun and learning as we go.

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