SKYSCRAPERS: INVESTIGATE FEATS OF ENGINEERING WITH 25 PROJECTS

(Paperback)

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Description

This activity book stands as an invitation for young readers to explore, from antiquity to modernity, the innovation and physical science behind the towering structures and buildings in cities around the world. With a blend of trivia and fun facts that illustrate engineering ingenuity and achievements from the ancient pyramids to the Empire State Building,readers will discover how engineers and laborers experienced triumphs and tragedies in their pursuit to build tall. They will also develop an understanding of how modern, sophisticated building techniques and materials evolved over time. Activities and projects encourage children to explore the engineering process as they 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 and, with the use of various materials and engaging in trial and error, readers will construct their own towers and skyscrapers.

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. With its timeline, glossary, and interesting prose, the teacher could challenge students with the question, 'Would a skyscraper make a good school' 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 "Large font and an open layout make this title accessible to reluctant readers ... 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."

Author Bio

Donna Latham is an award-winning author and playwright. She is the author of Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering, Canals and Dams: Investigate Feats of Engineering, Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself, Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door With 25 Projects, and Garbage: Investigate What Happens When You Throw It Out With 25 Projects. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Midland Authors. Donna lives in Batavia, Illinois. Andrew Christensen is the illustrator of Canals and Dams and an art director at a hobby game company. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.