Unit D Lesson D2 Alberta Structures
Completion requirements
Lesson D2: Case Study: Alberta Structures
Video Lesson
You can find interesting structures very near your home! Watch this video to learn more about some interesting structures in Alberta.
Lesson D2: Case Study: Alberta Structures
Figure D.1.2.1 – Old grain elevators were made of wood.
Figure D.1.2.2 – Alberta's grain elevators were the tallest structures in most communities.
Grain Elevators
For many years, grain elevators were the tallest structures on the flat Canadian prairies. Harvested grain is stored in grain elevators. First, wagons and, later, trucks brought their loads into the elevator where they were dumped into a pit. Then, the grain was elevated to the top to drop into selected bins. Spouts from the sides of grain elevators allow grain to flow into railroad cars for transport.
Old grain elevators were made of wood. Many old grain elevators have been torn down and replaced with modern concrete and steel grain elevators. Several remaining wooden grain elevators are now used as museums. A few (such as those remaining in Barrhead, Alberta) are used by small companies to assemble and/or market local grain.
For many years, grain elevators were the tallest structures on the flat Canadian prairies. Harvested grain is stored in grain elevators. First, wagons and, later, trucks brought their loads into the elevator where they were dumped into a pit. Then, the grain was elevated to the top to drop into selected bins. Spouts from the sides of grain elevators allow grain to flow into railroad cars for transport.
Old grain elevators were made of wood. Many old grain elevators have been torn down and replaced with modern concrete and steel grain elevators. Several remaining wooden grain elevators are now used as museums. A few (such as those remaining in Barrhead, Alberta) are used by small companies to assemble and/or market local grain.
Reading and Materials for This Lesson
Science in Action 7
Materials:
Science in Action 7
Reading: Pages 276-277
Materials:
No other materials are required for this lesson.
Figure D.1.2.3 – Modern grain elevators are built of concrete and steel.
Figure D.1.2.4 – Grain elevators are located beside railroad tracks.
Watch More
Two men bought a wooden grain elevator to stop it from being torn down. Watch this video to see the inside of a grain elevator.
Figure D.1.2.5 – The world's largest dinosaur in Drumheller.
Figure D.1.2.6 – The world's largest teepee in Medicine Hat.
Figure D.1.2.7 – The world's largest Easter egg in Vegreville.
Roadside Attractions
Many small towns across Canada have huge sculptures located next to their nearby highways. These structures are designed to invite people to stop and visit towns that would not otherwise receive many visitors.
Alberta has several structures that are recorded as the largest in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records. Some examples are the world's largest dinosaur in Drumheller, the world's largest perogy in Glendon, and the world's largest mallard duck in Andrew.
Giant roadside sculptures usually are made of strong steel and lightweight fibreglass that is easily molded into shapes.
There is no Self-Check for this lesson. Please continue to the next lesson.