Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in the design of the structures you see today.
In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
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History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation
In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture.
You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.
1. Define civil engineering.
It’s the engineering that involves the constructing of buildings and other structures.
2. Define architecture.
A building of some sort, or bridge, dam, other thing.
3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?
It was during the ancient times of Greece and Rome.
4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?
They were chosen based on what was nearby.
5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.
An igloo and a mud hut would be two examples of vernacular architecture.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 1

6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.
They would build it in steps, or put it in chunks.
7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?
Their purpose was for a place of worship, and as tombs for their great leaders. The Mexican pyramids would be used as a place of sacrifice.
8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Made a simple sketch to illustrate.
They would put the pillars in first, and then put the tops on the pillars putting them together.
9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?
They wanted build things that were bigger and better, so they had to build things in that kind of way.
10. Explain how an arch is created.
Arches were created by putting the two sides together, and then putting a keystone to support both sides.
11. How is the vault used in civil engineering?
The arches were placed next to each other.
12. Give an example of an arch and dome system.
There’s an arch in Chicago that is circular, and there is a dome on top of the
White House, and many churches.
13. Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did this restrict construction in ancient times?
Steel and concrete are two major materials that we have access to today. They couldn’t build structures that are sturdy or anything because they would’ve fallen down without these materials.
14. What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?
They piped clean water to highly populated areas and cities that they had.
15. Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.
Roman roads were layered to last, whereas Greek roads were not.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 2

16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.
They had arches to support things going across them.
17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?
Iron and steel were used because they were lighter than what the Romans used, but we still took a lot of their designs.
1. Give an example of a modern pyramid not shown in the presentation. How does its function differ from that of the Egyptian pyramids? What do you think accounts for this difference?
Some buildings have pyramids in them, or used on them, but they aren’t used for religious purposes anymore. I think the centuries of change, and the lack of a polytheistic religion, plus the ability to freely make these structures attributes to these changes.
2. Give an example of a modern structure that uses an arch and dome system.
The White House has both of these structures inside of it.
3. What is the main purpose of modern roads? How is the cost of modern roadways defrayed?
The purpose of the modern roads is to transport big vehicles from one area to the next without too much damage on the vehicle itself.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CEA – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.1 – Activity 1.1.1 – History Civil Engineering and Architecture– Page 3