Moscow’s Magnificent Domes

Moscow’s Magnificent Domes lesson plan

Onion domes, golden spires, and vivid colors! Find architectural gems in abundance in Moscow and other Russian cities.

  • 1.

    Research Russian architecture, which is found in Moscow and across the country. Find pictures of onion-shaped domes on buildings such as St. Basil’s Cathedral. Discover how Byzantine architecture reflects the orthodox faith. Create a splendid replica of this cathedral or a similar building against its city skyline.

  • 2.

    <STRONG>Paint sky</STRONG>. Cover your art area with newspaper. Paint a sky on cardboard with Crayola® Tempera Paint and Paint Brushes. Air-dry the paint.

  • 3.

    <STRONG>Design domes</STRONG>. On white construction paper, draw and color the city’s roofs and domes with Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils. These colored pencils erase so easily if you change your mind or make a mistake! Accent gold with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the glue.

  • 4.

    Cut out the skyline with Crayola Scissors. With Crayola Glue Sticks, attach it to your blue background. On construction paper, draw and color small triangles to resemble the tops of spires. Glue them to your 3-D picture and trim them with glitter glue.

Benefits

  • Students research the architecture of onion domes and spires found in Russian buildings such as Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral.
  • Students understand the connection between the orthodox faith and Byzantine architecture.
  • Students create a Russian city skyline showing traditional architectural features.

Adaptations

  • Research and create other important sites in Moscow, such as the Kremlin, which also contain unique onion domes and orthodox architecture.
  • Research and create other famous Russian landmarks such as St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace.
  • Compare and contrast architectural styles in Asia. Discover their foundations in people’s faith and available building materials.