Melisa Kaiser Archives - Excelsior Classes

Art Projects to do at Home with Kids

Apr 14, 2020 | Melisa Kaiser, Online Homeschool

Do your kids have a little extra time on their hands right now? Here are some fun ideas for art projects to put those little hands to work! I have included ideas that will work with all ages, from toddlers to teens. These are all projects that I have done at home with...

3 Reasons Students Should Travel

Jun 17, 2019 | Melisa Kaiser, Rigorous Courses

Research shows that educators consider travel a priority to raise students’ cultural awareness, and they believe that it has a positive impact on students’ lives. As an educator, but also as one who has traveled, I bring you my first-hand perspective of the benefits....

A Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Drafting Project

Feb 14, 2019 | Melisa Kaiser, Rigorous Courses

Frank Lloyd Wright called it “organic architecture.” In the early 20th century, Wright developed his style of architecture which emphasized integration with the landscape, use of natural materials, and open, flowing space that connected inside and outside. The first...

Using SketchUp in Beginning Architectural Design

Jun 11, 2018 | Engaging Education, Melisa Kaiser

Prior to SketchUp, “friendly and forgiving” were not words that came anywhere near a conversation about 3D modeling software. Architecture students would spend semesters of their lives in classes solely dedicated to demystifying a computer program that would turn...

Why Study Architecture in High School

Apr 4, 2018 | Melisa Kaiser, Rigorous Courses

I was 16 when I decided I wanted to be an architect, but beyond my high school drafting class, I had no idea what an architect actually does. Not to mention my knowledge of what architecture is. I couldn’t imagine much outside of quaint, suburban housing. I had never...

Architectural Drafting & Design I: An Online Architecture Class

Jul 6, 2017 | Excelsior Classes Information, Melisa Kaiser

Whether you are homeschooling or your public or private school just doesn’t offer this opportunity, your high schooler can take architecture classes online with Excelsior Classes. In Architectural Drafting & Design I & II, students learn to see, think, and...