Roman Buildings and Engineering

What buildings did the Romans build and for what purposes? How did they solve practical engineering problems such as providing enough water for their towns and cities, and enabling the army to get from A to B. Children study Roman roads, buildings and aqueducts. They build models, carry out scientific tests and make a presentation of all they have found out.

Includes:
- Topic Overview
- Block Overview

- Lesson 01: Roman architecture
Children study the types and architecture of Roman buildings, including the use of columns, pediments, colonnades, etc. They make a model Roman building.

- Lesson 02: Testing the strength of columns
Continuing to look at aspects of Roman architectural style, children consider the varieties of 3D shape which can be used to hold up the weight of a roof and further stories. They conduct a fair scientific test.

- Lesson 03: Roman arches
Why did the Romans use so many arches? Children conduct an investigation on effectiveness of different shaped arches by manipulating length of span and measuring height and load bearing strength.

- Lesson 04: Roman roads
Children learn how Roman roads were made and where they were built. They place Roman towns and cities on a map of Britain.

- Lesson 05: Roman aqueducts
Understanding how the Romans carried water using aqueducts, children begin to make a cardboard model aqueduct.

- Lesson 06: Finishing the model aqueduct
Children complete their model aqueduct and prepare and present information on Roman architecture.

Hamilton’s cross-curricular topics provide extensive planning resources to facilitate teaching a range of subjects under specific historical, geographic or thematic umbrellas.