This year we are studying medieval history (with Story of the World
This hands-on project was fun, and created a great transition from our study of ancient history last year to the spread of christianity and medieval history this year. (SotW, Vol 2 Ch 3)
How to Make Adobe Bricks
Supplies:
- Small disposable box or old ice tray
- Large bowl
- Dirt (enough to fill the box or ice tray)
- Water
- Straw, hand full
- Poop (optional… hahahaha)
What to do:
- Mix dirt and water in a large bowl with your hands.
- Add the poop… but please wear gloves.
- Add a hand full of straw to the mixture and mix some more!
- Pour into the box or ice tray.
- Leave in the sun for a few days.
- Tear off the cardboard box or pop out the the ice cube tray.
If you do a few batches in the ice cube tray you can build your own mission with adobe bricks you made!
How to make an adobe brick just like the ones made by the indigenous people in Southern California…
Here is the adobe brick reveal…
Discover more about the indigenous people in Southern California at Mission San Juan Capistrano with this awesome basket weaving class on October 5th. If you aren’t able to attend this class, don’t worry, is held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. And it’s free with paid admission to the Mission.
And for my fellow homeschoolers, check out the Mission’s homeschool days!
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Laraine says
I saw a Mexican man making bricks on his own property many years ago. He mixed clay and water with straw and some dirt and then he filled compartments of a tray. The compartments were all the size of a brick. He then put the tray in a homemade kiln to dry them out but not for a long time. No poop was used. I don’t know what the tray was made of.
Barry says
Why do u add poop to the adobe mix?
Annie Lawson says
You are such a great Mother and a brilliant teacher. The kids are learning things they would rarely learn at a regular public school. Years ago, it would have been different. They were taken on excursions, but school has changed so much. God bless you and your know how and get up and go, honey. Love to you and the family.