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.

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!

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.