The Right Footing

The Right Footing

A pagoda's tiers hold up to the force of powerful winds by moving independently. Shibam's mud skyrises also stand up to the force of wind. But Shibam is vulnerable to floods. Experiment with natural materials to build foundations, determining which best stand up to the forces of wind and water.
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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

National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“Skyscrapers would make an excellent resource for the history or science teacher desiring to try a project based learning (PBL) unit. In fact, this book would make a good springboard for a number of short engineering units. Skyscrapers is a terrific book, especially for elementary teachers looking for ideas to inject more engineering into their classroom.”

School Library Journal
“Simple black-and-white illustrations enhance the narrative and break up the text. The scientific concepts are explained with easy-to-understand and kid-friendly examples . . . This would be a useful title to supplement lessons on architecture, mathematics, or physics for classroom teachers or homeschoolers, and it's an appealing initiation to the subject.”

Kristine E. Barnes, PE, Structural Engineer
“Skyscrapers is a fantastic introduction to the world of civil/structural engineering and the history of some really big projects and tall buildings. The projects help reinforce ideas and give kids a wonderful hands-on learning experience.”

Pam Evans, 6th Grade Teacher, Jefferson Elementary School
“This wonderful book is written in easy-to-understand terms for those of us who are not engineers. The activities and experiments can easily be done in the classroom with inexpensive supplies.”

Kenton D. Wesby, Art Specialist & STEAM Educator, SECME Master Teacher
“This book is awesome. Skyscrapers effectively navigates the basic principles of STEM, at the same time making connections with language arts, social studies, and visual arts. A must have for any teachers' professional library.”

Glenn Wiggins, Ph.D., AIA, Dean, College of Architecture, Design, and Construction Management, Wentworth Institute of Technology
“Skyscrapers does a wonderful job introducing young minds to the wonders and challenges of high-rise building design and the underlying engineering, making complex engineering concepts understandable. Outstanding.”


Project Templates

Reading Skyscrapers now? Download your Clown Around With Center of Gravity template here.


Detailed Book Description

Over centuries and across cultures people have defied gravity in a quest to build the tallest, grandest structures imaginable.

Skyscrapers: Investigate Feats of Engineering with 25 Projects invites children ages 9 and up to explore the innovation and physical science behind these towering structures. Trivia and fun facts illustrate engineering ingenuity and achievements from the ancient pyramids to the Empire State Building. Readers will develop an understanding of how our modern, sophisticated building techniques and materials evolved over time.

Activities and projects in Skyscrapers: Investigate Feats of Engineering with 25 Projects, encourage children to explore the engineering design process. They will engage in hands-on explorations of wind, test Newton's laws of motion, and experiment with the strength of different shapes. In the process they will learn about gravity, inertia, oscillation, and static electricity. Using various materials and engaging in trial and error, readers will construct their own towers and skyscrapers.

Available In:
Paperback, $15.95
9781619301931
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Charts | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | black and white interior | 128 pages
Subject: Science
Content Focus: Engineering & Technology

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Timeline

Introduction
The Sky’s the Limit

Chapter 1
Engineering and Thinking Big

Chapter 2
Defying Gravity

Chapter 3
Story by Story: Building Up

Chapter 4
Chicago: Sky High in the Windy City

Chapter 5
New York City: Vertical Metropolis

Chapter 6
Amazing Skyscraper Achievements

Chapter 7
Disasters and Close Calls

Glossary
Resources
Index