Architecture for High School 2

From: $98.00 / month for 8 months

Grades:  9th–12th

Class:  Tue 6:00–7:00 p.m. ET

Dates:  Aug 24, 2026–May 7, 2027

Prepaid:  $699

Instructor: David Nance

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Description

NOTE: A minimum of five students is required for this class to run. Students will be notified prior to the first class.

HS Architecture 2 Syllabus

This course will build on what students learned in Architecture I and further develop their understanding of architectural concepts and design techniques. They will continue to refine their ability to conceptualize and create detailed architectural plans and models, engage in critical thinking, and design purpose-driven structures. They will also develop a portfolio of their work.

Throughout the course, students will refine their proficiency with design software and learn about materials, safety requirements, and sustainable design principles. They will also practice presenting and critiquing architectural ideas in a professional manner.

Students will want to have a variety of drawing and craft supplies, such as:
  • pencils
  • pens
  • paper
  • scissors
  • tape
  • cardboard
  • Styrofoam

Students will have the flexibility to choose which materials they wish to use when building models; the materials listed here are for guidance only, not specific requirements.

Course Structure

Each semester will consist of one overarching project. Weekly topics, tasks, and activities will culminate in the completion of this project. Students will frequently share their projects in class to have them critiqued by classmates and the teacher. In this way, they will be able to get new ideas and make adjustments to their projects.

Who should enroll?

High school students who have previously taken Architecture for High School 1 or a comparable course. Parents are welcome to contact Mr. Nance with questions regarding the best placement for their student(s).

Prerequisite

Students should have completed  Architecture for High School 1 or a comparable class prior to enrolling in Architecture for High School 2. Students who have completed Middle School Architecture should move into HS Architecture 1, not HS Architecture 2.

Technology Requirements

  • High-speed, broadband Internet
  • Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
  • Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
  • 64-bit Windows 10 or 11(or a comparable iOS)
  • 8 GB RAM
  • 2.5 GHz or higher processor
  • A mouse (i.e., a mouse that can be held in the hand, not a trackpad mouse)
  • The specific architectural software students use will depend on the type of computer they have. Mr. Nance will provide instructions to students on how to access the most appropriate software for their situation, but please feel free to contact him before enrolling if you have questions or concerns.

Evaluation and Feedback

This class is designed to help students grow and explore. Students will regularly be asked to explain not only their products but also the thought process behind them. They will be encouraged to consider modifications and alternatives and will frequently revise prior work. This iterative process is typical in architecture and should be viewed as a learning experience and opportunity for growth. Feedback will be encouraging and uplifting, but students must recognize that there will always be room for improvement in their work.

Communication

Parents can contact Mr. Nance by email (dnance[at]aimacademy.online) with questions prior to enrolling in the course. Once the school year starts, parents and students will be encouraged to use the Canvas Inbox system for all communication with Mr. Nance. Unless there are unusual circumstances, he replies to emails within 24 hours.

Required Texts

Required Text:

  • Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods (7th Edition), by Edward Allen and Joseph Iano, ISBN 978-1119446194
    • (Please note that there is a Kindle version available for approximately half the price of the printed version, but because it is a textbook with many images, it does not have the same functionality that most Kindle books have. It displays well enough on a computer Kindle app but is not very usable on anything smaller than a computer monitor.)

Students who did not take HS Architecture I should consider these two books. They are not required but could come in handy.

  • Building Construction Illustrated (6th Edition), ISBN 978-1-119-58308-0
  • Architecture for Teens, ISBN 978-1-64739-672-5

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Instructor Bio

David Nance

Although David Nance first developed an interest in architecture in the 8th grade, life took him in a different direction, and he spent almost 20 years as a Spanish teacher (including 12 years at Aim Academy).  Although he has always enjoyed working with his Spanish students at Aim, as the years went on, he found himself wishing he had studied architecture or engineering.  When an opportunity to study architecture presented itself, David took it.  He received his Master of Architecture degree in 2024, and now works as a draftsman as he continues the journey toward licensure as an architect.
In their free time, David and his wife Rachel (who also teaches for Aim) love to travel, to play board games, and to cheer for their children at swim meets.
Contact: dnance[at]aimacademy.online

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