This activity is a guide to reading farm buildings. First, learn more about architectural styles and construction techniques. Refer to some easy to read style books, but remember, not all buildings follow any particular style. A vernacular or folk form of architecture is one that people built over and over again without changing it very much from one generation to the next. The questions should be used to guide students in gathering and analyzing information on their Worksheet for Farm Buildings. Encourage students to read both houses and outbuildings. Individual students or small groups can be assigned selected questions. In the class room, students may write a short essay summarizing their conclusions about the significance of what they saw.

• What types of buildings are found on a farm? How are they arranged around the house?
  
• List and describe as many architectural details as possible.
  
• Note materials and methods of construction.
  
• Using the Visual Survey Form identify the visual features of buildings.
  
• Do the buildings appear to have been physically altered over time?
  
• Which buildings are in good repair?  Which are in poor condition?
  

• Is the building a good example of a certain style or type of building?
  
• Was this building designed by an architect?
  
• If not, how did someone know how to build it?
  
• Is it similar to other farm buildings of this type you have seen in other places?
  
• What do these buildings say about different generations who lived in or used them?
  
• Do you think any changes in the buildings improve or detract from the original design?
  
• What are the current functions of the buildings on this property?
  
• Are buildings used for purposes other than what they were intended originally?
  
• Why and when do you think the functions or appearances were changed? 
  
• What are the clues on the building itself?