Power Paper

Power Paper

Think about some words you might associate with paper, such as thin or rip, and then think of the words you might associate with a textbook, such as heavy. Do you think that sheets of paper could support the weight of one of your textbooks? Why or why not?
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Magnetic Field Viewer

Magnetic Field Viewer

From Electricity

You can see magnetic fields in action with this easy-to-make viewer.

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Build a Craft Stick Catapult

Build a Craft Stick Catapult

From Engines!

Ancient armies used catapults in battle. But the catapult has been used as recently as World War I. In that war, soldiers used catapults to toss hand grenades at the enemy. Today, catapults are used to launch planes off the decks of huge ships called aircraft carriers. Because the runway is short on an aircraft carrier, the catapult helps get the plane into the air quickly. Try making your own!

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The STEM in Your Closet

The STEM in Your Closet

From The Science of Fashion

Have you ever really thought about what kind of science, engineering, and technology actually go into making your clothes? Now is your chance! The zipper on your jacket was at one time an engineering miracle. The shirt that has built-in protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a scientific innovation that helps to keep you healthy. There is a world of science and engineering in your closet. Just open the door.

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Build the Eiffel Tower

Build the Eiffel Tower

From The Science and Technology of Marie Curie

Built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower honored the French Revolution. It also showcased national engineering and design expertise to an audience of global visitors. Originally intended as a temporary monument, it remains one of the world’s most visited landmarks. The structure of the tower itself is actually quite simple! To understand how its rivets and beams join, build a model of your own.

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Reviews

“The architecture and engineering of skyscraper technology is presented in a clear, concise manner for young readers. Advanced engineering concepts such as shear and gravity forces, wind loading, and structural behavior are all explained lucidly. I can recommend this book to any young reader who has an interest in architecture and engineering and wishes to explore skyscrapers.”

—Paul J. Armstrong, Associate Professor Emeritus, School of Architecture, University of Illinois

Skyscrapers! shows how science has been used to build some of the world’s tallest buildings. Hands-on experiments let junior engineers and architects explore these principles first-hand while learning about the history and importance of skyscrapers around the world.”

—Thomas Leslie, FAIA, Professor in Architecture, Iowa State University

“This exciting book demystifies a complex subject of high-rise design and engineering to young readers. Illustrated with case studies and examples, it covers the history, technology, design, and vocabulary associated with tall buildings.”

—Ajla Aksamija, Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts

Detailed Book Description

Look up, up, up! How do skyscrapers get so tall? Skyscrapers are amazing feats of engineering that kids (and adults!) find fascinating. How do they get so high? How do they stay standing? Who is involved in designing and building these gravity-defying structures?

In Skyscrapers! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, children ages 7 to 10 learn about the principles of engineering that are used in building skyscrapers, as well as the history of skyscrapers themselves. Readers also explore the kinds of professionals that contribute to the raising of a skyscraper, from engineers to architects to construction teams. To answer the burning question on every young engineer's mind–how do skyscrapers stay standing?–readers discover the important designs used to build tall buildings.

Try these hands-on STEAM activities!

  • Experiment with earthquake-resistant materials
  • Test the relative strength of different shapes
  • Discover the effect of vibration on structures
Available In:
Hardcover, $19.95
9781619306516
Paperback, $14.95
9781619306530
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index | Metric Conversions Chart
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 96 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
Let’s Explore Skyscrapers

Chapter 1
Why Do We Need Skyscrapers?

Chapter 2
Engineering and Design

Chapter 3
Types of Skyscrapers

Chapter 4
Let the Building Begin!

Chapter 5
Famous Skyscrapers

Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Essential Questions
Index