Structures

People have been building amazing structures for thousands of years. From the first makeshift roof to the Great Wall of China to today's modern skyscrapers, technology helps people create more advanced structures. Find out how some of the most impressive creations were made, and how other human-built structures such as roads and tunnels help people travel to them!

Children's Literature

Part of the "Simple Science" series, this book explains some, but not too much of the physics that goes into building. Most of the book is a catalog of various kinds of structures. It is unfortunate that there is no discussion of the physics of stress, the strength found in different shapes, or how the shapes are used in building. There is also no discussion of the interior enforcement of a skyscraper, how it has to sway with the wind, or how very deep underground its foundation must be placed. "Skyscrapers are tall and thin. Architects design them because in cities buildings already take up most of the land. City land is expensive, too. In a skyscraper, more people can work and live on less land." The illustrations are mostly adequate and appropriate, unlike other parts of the series. Though again, there is a missed opportunity. One illustration shows a woman getting water. The writing says the river is in the Iranian city of Gonabad, and the water runs through the area because of a tunnel. The woman is not wearing a headscarf, as most women of the area would. It is unacceptable to mention engineering accomplishments of other people in the world and then show them looking like people of European decent. Like the rest of this series, this book is not recommended. Back matter includes a quiz, glossary, and index. Reviewer: Amy S. Hansen