How do skyscrapers stay standing in an earthquake? Join Lila & Andy as they discover the amazing science behind structural engineering!
When Lila and Andy explore the world of buildings with their structural engineer dad, young readers uncover the engineering secrets behind every building around them. Learn how concrete becomes rock hard, why steel acts like a building's skeleton, and how foundations keep structures from sinking into the ground.
This revised and updated second edition includes a comprehensive quiz to test understanding, a detailed glossary of engineering terms, and a list of fascinating building-related careers, making it an ideal resource for educators and curious young minds.
In this book, you will discover:
- How buildings resist invisible forces called loads, from people walking to hurricane winds
- The construction process, from foundation pouring to crane operations
- Why structural engineers design buildings to keep families safe during blizzards and storms
- Different building materials like concrete, steel, wood lumber, and fire-resistant bricks
- Real-world applications kids see every day, from skyscrapers to cozy neighborhood homes
- How construction teams work together using bulldozers, excavators, and massive cranes
This structural engineering adventure combines storytelling with real building science, giving young learners a solid introduction to STEM careers in construction and civil engineering.
This book is perfect for:
- Young readers interested in structural engineering and building science (ages 8-14)
- Teachers building STEM curriculum around engineering, physics, or construction units
- Homeschool families looking for hands-on civil engineering resources
- Future architects and engineers who love watching construction and asking "How does that work?"
Part of the "Lila and Andy Learn" STEM series, where every title turns science into an adventure kids want to read.
