Start with miniature models that depict the interconnections between building elements to improve a structure's strength for a given amount of material. Discover the main characteristics of a structure, such as columns, beams, trusses, plates, arches, shells, and catenary. Examine the forces operating on structural components, such as tension, compression, shear, and bending. Next, build more intricate models of trusses, roofs, and miniature structures.

Learn The Structural Basics

Try out different bridge designs, such as girder, arch, cantilever, rope, and suspension. Then, create scale models of imposing skyscrapers. Discover more about the stiffness and strength of materials. Check out how structural engineers increase safety, reduce costs, and reduce the chance of structural failure.

Perfect Kit For Learning

Kids can first make two separate towering skyscraper models by following the directions. By using their ingenuity and expertise gained from model construction, kids can construct the highest skyscraper with the help of the pieces in the kit. Five different structural systems for skyscrapers are described in detail along with the maximum number of floors that can be built using each design. For building the 20 models in the kit, the 44-page, full-color handbook offers thorough, step-by-step directions. Short exercises that pose questions after building each model encourage kids to think like structural engineers.