Local Architecture/Local History

Fourth grade students were fascinated by the architectural diversity in their town. They wanted to learn more about their town's architectural history and share that information with their neighbors and tourists.

The students decided to research historic sites and create a brochure to educate their neighbors and out-of-town visitors. They began with a walking tour of the town's historic neighborhoods, taking photos of old buildings — including banks, hospitals, and old homes — built in a wide variety of architectural styles.

After the tour, each student selected a style to research. Using the local historical society, the library, and the internet, they learned about the buildings they passed every day — when they were built, what they were used for, and how the architectural styles developed.

Throughout the process, students reflected on their findings by drawing the buildings they saw and journaling about the styles and historic significance of those buildings. Through these exercises, they not only gained an appreciation for the aesthetics of these buildings; they also learned how the buildings reflected the cultural, economic, and political aspects of the lives of early 19th-century farmers, plantation owners, slaves, and townspeople.

Working as a team with support from their teacher, they decided which buildings they would highlight, edited their research, chose photos to include, and designed the brochure. The finished product was presented to the mayor, tourism bureau, and chamber of commerce. It's now available to residents and tourists who can use it to take a self-guided walking tour of the town.

Adapted from a project submitted Leon Sheffield Magnet School, Decatur, Ala.