Building Big is ASCE's educational outreach program for middle school-aged kids. Based on an award winning PBS television mini-series that examines bridges, domes, skyscrapers, tunnels and dams, this program's fun, hands-on activities gets kids thinking about structure they see everyday. This program also allows educators to utilize a resource that in so valuable, yet underrepresented in classrooms, practicing professionals who bring theories and skills into reality with concrete examples of their use in the world.

ASCE members are encouraged to become involved in their communities, bringing basic engineering knowledge to our world's future citizens and future engineers. Additionally, ASCE encourages educators to embrace this engaging programs in their classroom, bringing technology and engineering to life. An engineer and educator partnership can make the Building Big experience an exceptional classroom opportunity to guide students through what may be a life-changing exploration of the wonders of engineering.

On this site, both educators and engineers will find resources to implement this program in their community and classroom. Please contact ASCE if you have further questions on Building Big.

What is a Building Big activity guide?
How do I get an activity guide?
What is a Build-a-thon?
Get a rebroadcast of the Building Big series on your local PBS station!

 

What is a Building Big activity guide?

A Building Big activity guide is an educator's and engineer's tool for bringing basic engineering concepts to middle school students. The guide offers activity planning guidance and a variety of hands-on activities, including:

 
  • Tug-Push-Twist-O'War
  • Straw Shapes
  • Columns
  • Hang In There
  • Paper Bridge
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Geodesic Dome
  • Newspaper Tower
  • Under Pressure
  • Meeting in the Middle
  • Additional Building Challenge

In addition, the guide outlines an extension idea, Local Wonders. The Local Wonders component of Building Big's educational outreach, encourages students to go out into their home communities to seek out examples of engineering, investigate the site and reflect on the questions of: When was it built? Why? What is it made out of? How much did it cost to build? What uses does it have in the community? How long do you think it will stay in your community? Local Wonders then encourages kids to explain their findings to peers and community members in presentations, papers, drawings, etc.

 

How do I get an activity guide?

Because the activity guide is not necessary for each child, ASCE encourages you to see if someone you know already has an activity guide. Many ASCE Section and Branch members (champions, Presidents, etc.) already have copies they could copy or send to you. If not, please contact ASCE's Communications Department for more information on obtaining a guide. ASCE has a limited supply in their office and we will be happy to share with you as long as those supplies last.


What is a Build-a-thon?

A Build-a-thon is a fun and informal way to share the excitement of engineering with your community. Below are just a few of the experiences you can provide at a Build-a-thon:

  • activity stations featuring hands-on engineering activities;
  • video monitors showing clips from the Building Big television series as well as short activity videos;
  • computer stations featuring the Building Big Website; and
  • a large group activity in which every attendee can contribute a portion of the overall completion -for example, building a giant geodesic dome out of newspaper.

A Build-a-thon is a great way to touch a larger audience then you will in a classroom. It provides the opportunity for parents and students to get "bit by the engineering bug" and begin to search out other opportunities to learn about engineering. Additonally, a community event is a great way to make educator and community leader contacts, and show how engineers can make an impact in their communities beyond today's infrastructure, by preparing the next generation to face the challenge's of the future!
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These images show a Build-a-thon held by the National Capital Section members at a large area museum. Approximately 500 kids attended the Saturday event in November 2000. In addition to the Build-a-thon, Section members conduct four to six activity sessions at Boys and Girls Clubs around the region, bringing the entire program of hands-on activities, local wonders exploration and a community event to Washington, DC metro area students

Get a rebroadcast of the Building Big series on your local PBS station!

All PBS affiliate stations have the right to rebroadcast this wonderful television series. Call your local PBS affiliate to find out when Building Big will re-air in your area.