Structural Engineering Bridges & Skyscrapers Science Kit

STEM toys do not get any better than this! Thames & Kosmos brings terrific building sets for kids who are interested in engineering or like to build models of the real world things. This 287 pieces set is a dream toy for such kids, because the toy allows them to perform 20 experiments with really awesome structures. 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 Educational Toys Planet’s 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. Structural Engineering Bridges & Skyscrapers Science Kit comes complete with 287 parts and a 36-page, full-color manual that guides you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions.