Designed primarily for use in the intermediate grades, the teaching unit provides 11 lessons and related activities for teaching students to look at colonial architectural elements as a means of learning about 18th century lifestyles. Although the unit relies upon resources available in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, other 18th century cities or towns can be studied in the same manner. Lesson topics include identifying elements of colonial architecture, understanding the history of colonial architecture, reading floor plans for architectural details, identifying exterior and interior architectural elements, taking a walking tour of Alexandria's Carlyle House or a similar 18th century structure, investigating modern adaptations of colonial elements, comparing architecture of the past with present day and anticipated future styles, and designing a colonial dwelling. Goals, objectives, suggested materials, teacher guides, student assignments, and illustrations are included in each lesson. Appendices giving details for a walking tour of Alexandria are followed by a short, annotated bibliography. (LH)