I have a fun idea for creating your own version of the Swiss Family treehouse blueprints just like father did in the book for their home in the air- Falconhurst. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my post Swiss Family Robinson Unit Study.
Introduce your child to using graph paper to create straight lines and understanding how to create a smaller scale to represent actual measurements.
This activity is a great way to teach your kids STEAM skills as they learn about blueprints, architecture, architects, engineering, and some match concepts like scale.
A blueprint is a guide for making something,
It is a design or pattern that can be followed to make a drawing turn into something real like an office building, a home, or maybe even a treehouse in your backyard.
Just like the amazing treehouse that the Robinsons built for themselves on the island.
A blueprint shows how a building is going to be designed.
It will outline what materials will be used, as well as where features like doors, windows, sinks, and appliances will go.
In Swiss Family Robinson father designed the treehouse they lived in for a great portion of the story using geometry.
He built off the ground in the trees to add a measure of safety and protection for his family.
He planned out what the family would need in advance for long-term accommodation.
And designed it in and around the tree in such a way that the family was able to live quite comfortably here for years.
More The Swiss Family Robinson Activities
- Where Did Swiss Family Robinson Land And Their Unique Homes | Cave Activity
- From Switzerland to the Author of Swiss Family Robinson Quick Study
- How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints With Kids
- What is the Swiss Family Robinson About | Simple Jeopardy Style Game
- How to Make Adorable Swiss Family Robinson Book Characters Bookmarks
- Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl
- The Swiss Family Robinson Fun and Easy Movie Night Ideas
- Embrace Island Life: How To Eat A Coconut Like Swiss Family Robinson
- Animals in The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Parrot Craft
- Lost In Adventure: 10 Books Like Swiss Family Robinson
- How to Build a LEGO Swiss Family Robinson STEM Challenge Treehouse
- Survival to Inspiration The Swiss Family Robinson Book | Brick Book
- How To Make A Swiss Family Robinson Map | Easy Swiss Geography
- DIY Easy Compass Activity and Survival Ideas
- Simple Candle
- Hunting Deer
- How to Plan And Start an Easy Gardening Unit Study for Kids
Also, look at some of these books and resources to learn more about the life and times of The Swiss Family Robinson.
8 Books & Resources for Learning About The Swiss Family Robinson
Add some of these books to your unit study of The Swiss Family Robinson and their adventures on a deserted island.
More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.
See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world.
Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.
Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them. You'll learn how to spot and identify common clues that 17 wildlife species leave behind in the woods, in the fields and along ponds.
The heroic tale of the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community.
From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.
Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set: Titles In This Set: The Blizzard Challenge The Desert Challenge The Jungle Challenge The Sea Challenge The River Challenge The Earthquake Challenge The Volcano Challenge The Safari Challenge The Cave Challenge The Mountain Challenge The Arctic Challenge The Sailing Challenge
By Pro-Knot, the number one trusted name in Knots with over 7,000 5 Star reviews! This complete knot tying KIT includes everything you need to learn and practice how to tie 23 essential rope knots. The six card/twelve page waterproof plastic card set contains 23 best all purpose rope knots
clearly illustrated and described, bound together with a no-rust brass grommet in the corner!
Edible wild plants are nature’s natural food source, growing along roadsides, sprouting in backyards, and blooming in country fields. North America’s diverse geography overflows with edible plant species.
Next, look at some blueprint vocabulary to add to your unit study.
Blueprint Vocabulary to Know
- Architect-A licensed person who creates and designs drawings for construction projects.
- Engineer- A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works using scientific principles in design and construction.
- Blueprint- A Set of engineered drawings to support the architecture.
- Dimensions-Measurements of length, height, and width shown on a drawing.
- Floor Plan- An aerial view of the layout of the rooms.
- Elevation Drawing- A two-dimensional representation of one side of a building or space showing height and width.
- Scheme- A type of diagram that shows the steps in a process.
- Layout-The arrangement and position of various elements within a structure, such as walls, rooms, corridors, doors, windows, and other architectural features.
Also, add some blueprint and architecture resources.
Blueprint and Architecture Resources For Young Engineers
- Watch I Want To Be An Architect! – Kids Dream Jobs – Can You Imagine That On YouTube to learn more about what this career entails.
- Investigate Blueprints and Architecture for Kids Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright to get a different angle on blueprints and learn about one of the most famous architects of modern history.
- Architecture for Kids: Skill-Building Activities for Future Architects is a great resource with fun activities to learn about buildings, the history of architecture, and let them start their own portfolio of designs.
- After your child has created their 2D blueprint design take it to the next step creating a 3D acrylic model.
- For younger learners check out Iggy Peck: Architect, a picture book that is a wonderful introduction to STEM.
How to Create Swiss Family Treehouse Blueprints
Before you begin the activity, have your child think about the size and needs of your family as if your family was stranded on the island.
How much space would you need? How large is the tree you found? Imagine the treehouse before you even pick up a pencil.
You will need:
- Graph paper
- Markers
- Fineline pen
- Construction paper
- Scissors
First, you need to determine the scale of your drawing, for example we decide that each inch on our graph paper would represent feet.
Add this to the bottom of your “blueprint”.
Draw out your tree shape with pencil to demonstrate the greenery.
Now measure out the size and shape of the tree house within the tree to show the floor plan, remember to use your scale to size it.
Draw it out along the line with marker. This is the aerial view or floor plan for your design.
Next color in some of the trees like greenery and a few branches as well as adding detail like the ladder.
Cut small furniture out of construction paper like beds, tables, and chairs to place inside your blueprint.
Let your child move and arrange it to fit everything they need inside.
Now on the second graph paper have your child draw the same treehouse with a front view, following the same scale to create an elevation drawing.
Color it in and add details to finish it off.
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