What is a structure?

 

One the first things we did as a class was discuss what is a 'structure'. This was an attempt to define structure for us as learners (both student and teacher).  Initially, I underestimated where this would lead us and how difficult this truly was to do.  Before reading on, I encourage you to come up with your own definition to challenge some of our ideas of what can be classified as a structure.  The following is a list of structures we brainstormed as a class.  It will be followed with comments we had made in class surrounding our definition of a structure.

 Collins English Dictionary (1986), Structure 1. a complex construction or entity.  2. the arrangement and interrelationship of parts in a construction, such as a building  3. the manner of construction or organization: the structure of society

Our class generated list:

food stand fountain house picnic table skyscrapper
swimming pool tower table bomber tower chair
castle shelf bridge tent hotel
hen house stadium stable airport space station
bee hive animal den classroom building lighthouse
fence and gate city wall outhouse guard tower shipwreck
shop (blacksmith) chuck wagon garage airplane beaver dam
school desk playground computer cathedral/church
T.V. museum outpost loader gravel truck
car train carwash dome boat
jail barn amusement park bar science center
clock bed mall bathroom movie
theatre igloo wall restaurant  
         

  The ones in question were;     pole                  book                 mirror

The children are constantly pushing the definition of what a structure is. What are the features needed to be considered a structure?  We have presently defined a structure as something that is made or built.  We are wondering if our definition also needs to include, 'holding its shape'. This would more clearly define whether a bathing suit or clothing is considered a structure?  When is a structure just material?

 

As a class we also brainstormed Interesting Structures in Calgary.  The following is the list we composed:

Fort Calgary Police Center Calgary Tower Saddledome Petro Canada
jail Co-op tent safeway Northland Mall
overpass parkade Palliser Hotel Science center McMahon Stadium
Center Street bridge Eau Claire Market Beaver Drilling Hospital firestation
Ukranian Church Lindsay Park Lions on  bridge Banker's Hall City Hall
tops of buildings in China town roller coaster at Calaway Park      

 

One of my students wrote the following account of what she thought were structures:

What is a structure?  A structure is like a building.  Structures can mean many things like a playground or an igloo.  A structure doesn't have to be made out of wood, it can be made with hundred's of things like metal and plastic and lots of other things too.  A structure is a lot of things.  You know now this is a lit of what a structure can be: house, computer, igloo, outhouse, light house, box, school, tent, museum,  boat, book, garbage can, playground, airplane, airport and a cannon ball, and even a TV.  A structure is many things to build. Sometimes you can have a competition with your friend to build the tallest tower, that's a structure too.  A structure is a playground and a hotel and a tower.  Here is another list of big and little structures: house, sail, swimming pool, tent, tunnel, tower, skyscraper, stairs, outhouse, warehouse, boat, chair, desk, wall, bridge, window, door, parkade, subway, overpass, train station, airport, stadium, cave, table, hotel, amusement park, movie theatre, church, condo, apartment, dome, castle, arcade, college, university, bed.  There is lots of structures.  These are the only things I could think of though.  Well you see there is lots of meaning for structure.  You'll see another list of structures stuff later.  Ok, it is time for the list again.  Classroom, hall, shelf, food stand, hut, restaurant, pole, shop, mall, shipwreck, henhouse, barn, guard tower, city wall, fountain, clock, dams, den, police station, beehive, trains, bar, garage, b-52, jail, plastic, library, picnic table, white board, tree house, spider web, car, truck.  Emmy L.

 

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