Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test (Kaleidoscope Kids) [Paperback]

Carol A. Johmann (Author), Elizabeth Rieth (Author), Michael P. Kline (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Kaleidoscope Kids

This title is suitable for ages 9 to 12 years. Build bridges of your design - from the 'workhorse' truss-beam bridge to the dazzling suspension bridge. Use bridge-building basics, and, along the way, discover how science and creativity come together in the creation of those weight-bearing wonders - bridges. Choose the best bridge design for different sites. Make decisions about cost, safety, materials, and the environment. Build and innovate using available materials. Test your construction for function and load.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-6-An upbeat blend of science, history, and how-to instruction that will delight children and educators alike. Each chapter consists of numerous short articles combining historical and technical information on the design and construction of bridges with easy hands-on experiments. Contents range from analysis of the arch, beam, and suspension systems to the "care and feeding" of structures and reflections on bridges of the future. Interspersed throughout are simple projects involving building, measurement, or observation, such as testing the strength of varied paper shapes or constructing a Popsicle-stick truss bridge or-for literary types-writing bridge poems. The book concludes with a challenge for young minds to "think outside the box." Students wishing to access the projects quickly can consult the index under "activities." Sidebars such as "Learn the Lingo" and "How It Works" explain key terms and concepts. Others solicit problem-solving responses. Eye-catching photographs and cartoon illustrations in blue and orange tones abound; clear organization of text and unifying page borders create an attractive graphic package. The volume includes a list of notable bridges by state and country; those mentioned in the text are highlighted. This is a good resource for libraries and science centers and will be well thumbed by future generations of bridge builders.
Mary Ann Carcich, Suffolk County Community College Library, Riverhead, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

From the Kaleidoscope Kids series, this informative, large-format paperback takes an action-oriented approach to bridges. Children will learn about the structural design, construction, mechanics, and maintenance of bridges, and they will also read entertaining bits of bridge history, from the triumphant to the disastrous. Photographs provide views of famous bridges; cartoonlike drawings show kids engaged in projects such as making a drawbridge using a couple of empty cereal boxes or hanging a suspension bridge between two trees. An appendix lists famous American bridges, state by state; Canadian bridges, province by province; and international bridges, country by country. A lively introduction to the history and science of bridges. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Williamson Pub (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885593309
• ISBN-13: 978-1885593306
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Arts, Crafts & Music > Architecture

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't wait 'til it's too late!, October 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test (Kaleidoscope Kids) (Paperback)

Was THIS book a relief to parents when it came out! One of the few real "How to" learning books about bridges. It explains how & why different types of bridges don't fall down (which is why kids learn about em in the first place) & offers fun instructions on each major kind: arches, beams, trusses, cantilevers, and suspension bridges, you know the deal. Of course, "Bridges: Amazing Structure..."also shows why some bridges fail, like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (you've seen this one go on disaster TV shows). Don't wait until your kid says, "Mom, I have to build a bridge by tomorrow." Do it now & put it into storage if necessary.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test, November 29, 1999

By 

Patricia Croteau (Connecticut, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test (Kaleidoscope Kids) (Paperback)

Fantastic Book! Educational & Lots of Fun! My son built one of the bridges out of household items and "plays" with it constantly. It is obvious that a lot of time, research and thought went into this book. Keeps children of all ages interested.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful writing and alot of fun!, August 7, 2001

By 

Jake McKee (Austin, TX, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bridges: Amazing Structures to Design, Build & Test (Kaleidoscope Kids) (Paperback)

This is a great book for kids. It very clearly, but very simply shows kids how bridges works. It also walks them through creating bridges in their homes to showcase how these concepts work. Oh, and there is even a recipe for how to make cement!

This is a must buy if you or your kids are even slightly interested in bridges!