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In order for something new to be born, something else has to go down to ashes. That is a life motto, but also reality for some engineering marvels.
This documentary takes a look at how bridge disasters have helped engineers build better bridges. Some catastrophic collapses have shaped future designs. And now, the world is a safer and better place.
Civil engineers plan, design, construct, and maintain structures including bridges. To develop a safe structure, they have to follow the basis of the engineering design process.
Those include the following steps: developing a complete understanding of the problem, determining potential bridge loads, combining these loads to determine the highest potential load, and computing mathematical relationships to determine the structure of the bridge.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- BUILD 9 REAL ENGINEERING MODELS: Construct a house, pyramid, beam bridge, arch bridge, truss bridge, cable-stayed bridge, and suspension bridge. Each model teaches real structural engineering principles through hands-on building not just snapping blocks together.
- FRUSTRATION-FREE BUILDING with easy instructions + 10 pages of theory, facts, fun experiments & a 3 page quiz- this kids engineering kit teaches real scientific principles through hands-on discovery, not boring homework.
- EXPERT RECOMMENDED STEM TOYS: Top-rated building toys chosen as one of the best 21 STEM engineering toys to spark your child's interest in technology and future careers.
- PERFECT GIFT FOR CURIOUS KIDS 9+ - Ideal for birthdays, holidays, and science fairs. Used by schools and STEM programs worldwide.
- PATENTED BUILDING SYSTEM - MADE IN EUROPE: Unique snap-fit components connect in multiple directions, enabling complex 3D models that other building sets simply can't create. Designed by a real engineer and teacher. Quality ABS plastic built to last.
Rank #3
- Includes Everything You Need to Build Your Own Wooden Truss Bridge
- Made in USA from Recycled Materials, Has Been Tested to Hold Up to 30 Pounds!
- Great For STEM Projects
- Comes with Non-Toxic Tacky Glue
- Bridge Measures 18" Long x 4.5" Wide x 4" Tall
Rank #2
- CLASSIC PIECES – K’NEX Education’s Intro to Structures Bridges Set consists of 207 classic pieces, including rods, stems, and connectors. Kids can attach these parts to one another in different ways, allowing them to create a variety of fully functioning bridge models. The snap-fit pieces stick together securely and can be easily reassembled into other creations.
- REAL-WORLD STRUCTURES – Build 13 fully-functioning replicas of real-life bridges. These models help educate builders about bridge infrastructure by demonstrating key bridge types, such as truss, arch, cantilever, beam, suspension, movable/bascule, and cable-stayed. Building instructions and a teacher’s guide on a CD are included, providing the information needed to build one’s understanding of scientific, technical, and design concepts.
- CONVENIENT STORAGE –Keep all K’NEX parts in one easy-to-access place. Enjoy hassle-free cleanup and storage, as this building set comes with a convenient portable storage tray with a snap-on lid.
- VERSATILE – K’NEX Education’s Intro to Structures Bridges Set is designed to enhance kids’ imaginations through the creative assembly of K’NEX pieces. Aside from the 13 bridges they can build, the set can also be used to create buildings, houses, and towers. This toy is ideal for kids from grades 3 to 5, and 2 to 3 people can work on each set.
- STEAMagination: It’s the connection of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) with a child’s natural curiosity and creativity and it powers the fun of each and every K’NEX building set. Building with K’NEX puts children on a path towards a fundamental understanding of STEAM/STEM subjects.
#1 Best Overall
- Build 20 different models that each teach about force, load, compression, tension and more
- Over 285 interchangeable building pieces
- Includes 36-page, illustrated experiment manual and Assembly guide
- Skill level: Intermediate
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