Thames & Kosmos Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers | Science & Engineering Kit | Build 20 Models | Learn about Force, Load, Compression, Tension | Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner, Blue: Toys & Games

Description

After kids build small models to demonstrate how structural elements can be attached together to maximize the strength of a structure, they can move on to building more complex models and experiment with different types of bridge construction: a truss bridge, arch bridge, cantilever bridge, rope bridge, and suspension bridge. First kids can follow the instructions to build two different towering skyscraper models. Then, they're tasked with using their imagination and the knowledge gained from their model building to build the tallest skyscraper they can, using only the pieces in the kit. Further information goes into detail about five types of skyscraper structural systems and the maximum number of floors that can be achieved with each type. The 44-page, full-color manual provides detailed step-by-step instructions for assembling the 20 models in the kit. After constructing each model, short experiments pose questions to get kids thinking like a structural engineer. The kit comes with 323 building pieces to build and experiment with 20 different structural models of varying sizes, each designed to provide an introduction to structural engineering. The plastic building system is compatible with other Thames & Kosmos Construction, Engineering, and Physics kits--combine the pieces to create your own configurations limited only by your imagination! Kids learn additional information about the forces acting on structural elements including tension, compression, shear, and bending in the 'Check It Out' sections of the manual. They'll also learn about basic structural elements including columns, beams, trusses, plates, arches, shells, and catenary. The manual also provides insight into the strength and stiffness of materials and how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety, and minimize cost and the risk of structural failure. Thames & Kosmos is committed to providing quality products that users can enjoy and learn from for a long time. Our customer service department is available to troubleshoot any problems that may arise while using our kits, and replacement parts are also available. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We love our products and want you to have the best possible experience with them! Do you ever wonder how bridges span huge distances and how skyscrapers stay standing? Structural engineers use physics and their knowledge of the properties of building materials and geometric shapes to design structures with sufficient strength and stability. With this kit of modular building pieces, you can learn the basics of structural engineering by conducting a series of 20 model-building experiments. Each model demonstrates a basic principle of mechanical physics or structural engineering in a hands-on way. Start out with small models that demonstrate how structural elements can be attached together to maximize the strength of a structure for a fixed amount of material used. Learn about basic structural elements including columns, beams, trusses, plates, arches, shells, and catenary. Explore the forces acting on structural components including tension, compression, shear, and bending. Move onto building more complex models of trusses, roofs, and small buildings. Experiment with different types of bridge construction: a truss bridge, arch bridge, cantilever bridge, rope bridge, and suspension bridge. Finally, build models of towering skyscrapers. What is the tallest tower you can build using only the pieces included in the kit? Learn about the strength and stiffness of materials. See how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety, and minimize cost and the risk of structural failure. A 36-page, full-color manual guides you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions. None Required

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