Mr. Ray Diebel, an architect and engineer designer, visited students in grades 6, 7, and 8, to talk about their projects. He shared information about structures of buildings, and water systems.

Mr. Ray Diebel discussed the water cycle, ground water, underground water, streams, and reservoirs, with the 7th grade students. He also covered water filtration systems.

The 6th and 8th grade students got a first hand look at his structure documents (blue prints) of different types of buildings (many of them were his college drawings), and his hardhat. The students were really excited about examining the documents.

Mr. Ray Diebel discussed the movement of earthquakes, earthquake resistant buildings, and building materials more likely to withstand earthquakes, with the 8th grade students. He also got a chance to see the students' earthquake proof buildings and discussed their designs. The students had many questions for Mr. Ray Diebel, and he answered them skillfully.

The presentations were excellent, and it was evident that the students were very interested in the conversations Mr. Diebel engaged them in. He truly would make an excellent teacher.

We were very delighted to have Mr. Ray Diebel share his enthusiasm, and expertise with our students.

Teacher: Wannetta A. Johnson
Grade 6

On Feb. 6,1998, Mr. Ray Diebel, an architect and engineer designer, came to our class. He talked to us about construction work. He explained that hardhats are very important on a construction site. You are not allowed on a construction site without one. The construction workers have many rules and regulations concerning safety, when building. When building, you must make sure that your building is protected from all of mother nature's surprises. Taller buildings need to be stronger to withstand the force of the wind. You must also make sure that your building is safe and strong. He also told us a new word for blueprints, which is called construction documents.

The materials used for building a building include concrete, sheet rock, brick, steel, wood, and blocks.

When building the structure, you would first create the foundation, then the beams and columns, next the floors, the stairs, the roof, and finally the walls. Then you would prepare the wiring and insulation.

Mr. Ray told us that the architect draws the construction documents, then gives them to a drafting engineer, who uses a computer program to create the construction documents. Then they print them out and give to a construction crew, if approved.

Tiffany Francis
Nicole LaFrado
Grade 6 Room 206