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Lesson Plan Image

Onion Domes

Onion domes are architectural features found on many Eastern European Orthodox churches. Students will investigate their origin and create a diorama depicting this iconic image.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper
  • Recycled Cardboard Box

Steps

  • Step 1

    An onion dome (named for its resemblance to a large onion) is a characteristic feature of Russian Orthodox churches in Eastern Europe. Have students research the origin and symbolism of this design. When did it first appear as a feature on churches? What countries influenced its design? What are some theories about its symbolism? Ask students to look at some notable examples, such as on the Church of Saint Andrew or the Church of Saint Michael in Kiev, Ukraine; Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed in Moscow, Russia; or the Basilica of SS. Ulrich and Afra in Bavaria, Germany.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to form small groups and collaboratively create a diorama of an onion-domed building. One team member can paint the inside of a recycled box or box top to create a background, another student can design and cut out features of the building, and another can create and cut out figures from heavy paper or recycled file folders and dress them in traditional garb. The figures can be made to stand up by cutting slits in the bottom and inserting two small pieces of heavy paper or recycled cardboard.

  • Step 3

    Display the dioramas with some information about the buildings the teams depicted.

Standards

ARTS: Analyze how the arts reflect changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

Adaptations

The geodesic dome is noted for its innovative use of triangular elements to create a lightweight yet strong framework. Have students investigate its history, from its development by Walther Bauersfeld in 1926 to its popularization by R. Buckminster Fuller (who holds the patent) in the 1940s. What was it originally used for? What are its historical and contemporary applications? Why is it an energy-efficient and sustainable design for a residential home?

Encourage students to identify the countries of Eastern Europe and learn about some of their cultural practices, traditions, and art forms.