STEM Structural Engineering Kit Have you ever wondered how bridges can be built over 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 strength and stability. With this modular building kit, you can learn the basics of structural engineering by completing 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 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, plates, springs, shells, and catenaries. Explore the forces acting on structural components, including tension, compression, shear, and bending. Move on to building more complex models of trusses, roofs and small buildings. Experiment with different types of bridge construction: a beam bridge, an arch bridge, a cantilever bridge, a cable-stayed bridge and a suspension bridge. Finally, build models of imposing skyscrapers. What is the tallest tower you can build using only the parts included in the kit? Learn about the strength and stiffness of materials. See how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety and minimize costs and the risk of structural failure. A 36-page, full-color manual guides you through building the model with step-by-step illustrated instructions. The kit contains 323 parts, 20 experiments, instruction manual. Recommended age: 8 - 14 years. Awards Gold Medal "Parents' Choice" Purdue University Made of plastic. Complies with EN71&ASTM regulations. WARNING: Not suitable for children under 3 years old, contains small parts. Adult supervision is recommended during play. Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference. Made in Taiwan for Thames & Kosmos, England. STEM Kit Manual Structural Engineering - download file