This activity book stands as an invitation for young readers to explore, from antiquity to modernity, the innovation and physical science behind the towering structures and buildings in cities around the world. With a blend of trivia and fun facts that illustrate engineering ingenuity and achievements from the ancient pyramids to the Empire State Building, readers will discover how engineers and laborers experienced triumphs and tragedies in their pursuit to build tall. They will also develop an understanding of how modern, sophisticated building techniques and materials evolved over time. Activities and projects encourage children to explore the engineering process as they engage in hands-on explorations of wind, test Newton’s Laws of Motion, and experiment with the strength of different shapes. In the process, they will learn about gravity, inertia, oscillation, and static electricity and, with the use of various materials and engaging in trial and error, readers will construct their own towers and skyscrapers.

This activity book stands as an invitation for young readers to explore, from antiquity to modernity, the innovation and physical science behind the towering structures and buildings in cities around the world. With a blend of trivia and fun facts that illustrate engineering ingenuity and achievements from the ancient pyramids to the Empire State Building, readers will discover how engineers and laborers experienced triumphs and tragedies in their pursuit to build tall. They will also develop an understanding of how modern, sophisticated building techniques and materials evolved over time. Activities and projects encourage children to explore the engineering process as they engage in hands-on explorations of wind, test Newton’s Laws of Motion, and experiment with the strength of different shapes. In the process, they will learn about gravity, inertia, oscillation, and static electricity and, with the use of various materials and engaging in trial and error, readers will construct their own towers and skyscrapers. Donna Latham is an award-winning author and playwright. She is the author of Amazing Biome Projects You Can Build Yourself, Backyard Biology, Canals and Dams, Deciduous Forests, Deserts, Garbage, Norah Jones, Oceans, Respiration and Photosynthesis, Savannas and Grasslands, and Tundra. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Society of Midland Authors. She lives in Batavia, Illinois. Andrew Christensen is the illustrator of Canals and Dams and an art director at a hobby game company. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.