Student Tours

A visit to Monona Terrace is a wonderful introduction to looking at architecture and understanding the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Go here to learn more about our guided tour that meets academic standards in several disciplines.

Teacher Materials

Click here for student activities and background materials.

"The Wright 3" Book Club

The Wright 3, by Blue Balliett, is a mystery for 10-12 year old readers about the Wright-designed Robie House in Chicago. Visit here for activities based on the book in language arts, social studies and visual arts.

Froebel Block Workshops

In the 1830´s, German educator Friedrich Froebel developed a system of educational toys that included "gifts" of wooden blocks. Frank Lloyd Wright played with Froebel blocks as a youth and acknowledged them as a fundamental influence on his architecture.

Monona Terrace facilitates Froebel block workshops in Dane County third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms. Each student works with a set of blocks to build two- and three-dimensional designs. The activities emphasize spatial thinking about shape, pattern, symmetry and scale. Throughout guided play, students will develop skills in cause and effect thinking, problem solving, concentration, and creativity.

Here's what the teachers had to say:

“The students enjoy this program each year. This was our third year. The activities are engaging to each student regardless of learning needs (from students requiring support to those requiring enrichment).” –Anonymous, April 2009

Terrace Town 

Our biennial Terrace Town program challenges Dane County classrooms to design and build models of sustainable communities.  Teachers work in partnership with volunteer "mentors"- architects, planners, and design professionals- to facilitate the students'  work over several months.  This year, 1500 elementary students will present their vision for green cities at Monona Terrace on April 10, 2010, 10am-4pm.  We invite the public to view the cities and participate in family activities designed for builders of all ages.

Here's what some of the participating teachers had to say:

If you are interested in participating in future Terrace Town programs, please contact Heather Sabin at 608-261-4015 or hsabin@mononaterrace.com

Teacher Workshops

Teacher workshops will occur in winter 2010 in conjunction with the Terrace Town program.   Presented by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, these sessions will feature topics of urban forests, water in the built environment, and alternative energy. 

For more information, contact Heather Sabin at hsabin@mononaterrace.com or 608-261-4015.