The Homeschoolers' Advent Calendar: Gingerbread Structures

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

12 Dec 2006 06:46 AM

In just two hours, we will be on our way to our home schooling co-op for a lesson in physics (compliments of my husband) and the fine art of gingerbread making. Well, technically we're using graham crackers. . .but we're using real frosting and we're using real candy to build a winter wonderland of gingerbread structures.

Maybe it's just me, because we live in a city with tons of bridges, but the study of structure has fascinated me. It actually started to fascinate my highly observant son who noted that most bridges are made out of triangles--which is true. This is because triangles are significantly stronger than any other shape. In fact, if you look around it is likely that you will find that lots of buildings, bridges, cranes, etc. are made from triangles. Sometimes you cannot tell in a building because the engineers make the outside more aesthetic but in any case, I promise you, underneath a strong building. . .in it's framework. . .are a bunch of triangles!

With that here is today's activity and a few things to notice or talk about with your child. Happy making!

To make the gingerbread house we use graham crackers. Plain old graham crackers with royal icing. (Royal icing is made from shortening or butter and powdered sugar, mixed to consistency). In case you are a gingerbread novice. . .royal icing is the glue that holds it all together. Here are a few concoctions to try:

Try making a series of triangles to make a gingerbread bridge. Place two right side up triangles next to each other and one upside down triangle in between them and you should have a flat surface. You can decorate the sides!

Try making your regular house but to get it to stand a little better, put fitted graham crackers diagonally in the squares. Lay graham crackers flat on top of this 'foundation' and then make a triangle roof.

A few things to talk about and notice:

Try making different shapes with the graham crackers. What is the most stable. . .triangles, squares, or rectangles?

If you were to decorate only one side of your house with lots of decorations. . .what would happen? Does the weight of the decorations need to be evenly distributed? What could you do to the foundation so that you could only decorate one side?

If nothing else, making a gingerbread house is just great fun and it's a great snowy day activity. Happy gingerbread making!

Read about other Homeschoolers' Advent Activities!

Related Articles:

Gingerbread Houses Made Easy

Gingerbread: Food or Art?

Make Your Own Gingerbread House

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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