How Was That Built: The Stories Behind Awesome Structures

How Was That Built

Ever wondered how the Eiffel Tower stands so tall or how the Great Wall of China snakes its way across mountains and valleys? Welcome to "How Was That Built: The Stories Behind Awesome Structures," where we dive into the fascinating tales and brilliant minds behind some of the world's most incredible constructions. This is your go-to guide for keeping curious minds—both young and old—engaged and inspired!

Let's start with the Eiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (that's the fancy French way of saying World's Fair), this iron lattice tower wasn't always the beloved Parisian icon it is today. Initially, many Parisians thought it was an eyesore! But thanks to Gustave Eiffel and his team, the tower not only stood tall but also became a symbol of innovation and engineering brilliance. Fun fact: it took over 18,000 individual iron parts and 2.5 million rivets to complete this masterpiece. Imagine the teamwork and precision that went into creating something so iconic!

Next up, the Great Wall of China, a marvel of ancient engineering stretching over 13,000 miles! Originally built to protect Chinese states from invasions, this wall isn't just one continuous line; it's a series of walls and fortifications built over centuries. The labour force included soldiers, peasants, and even prisoners. The wall weaves through rugged terrain and even incorporates natural barriers like rivers and mountains. It’s a testament to human determination and ingenuity, proving that when we work together, we can achieve the extraordinary.

So, next time your students or kids ask, "How was that built?" you’ll have some fun and engaging stories to share. These structures are more than just buildings; they are tales of creativity, hard work, and a dash of daring. Happy teaching, and may your lessons be as sturdy as the Great Wall and as inspiring as the Eiffel Tower!

Author: Roma Agrawal

Roma Agrawal is best known for her work on London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, but her talents extend far beyond this architectural marvel. In her book, "Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures," she explores the incredible feats of engineering that shape our world, from ancient aqueducts to modern skyscrapers.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 80 pages
  • Dimensions: 31.1 x 1.6 x 24.5 cm
  • Reading age: 8+ years old
  • Publication date: 16 Sept 2021
  • ISBN: 1526603659

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Kids love a good story, and Roma’s work is packed with them!

Author: Roma Agrawal

If you’re looking for a delightful way to introduce your students to the wonders of engineering, look no further than the inspiring work of Roma Agrawal. As a structural engineer and author, Roma has a knack for making complex concepts accessible and engaging for young minds. Let’s dive into how you can bring her fascinating world into your classroom or home learning environment!

Roma Agrawal is best known for her work on London’s iconic Shard skyscraper, but her talents extend far beyond this architectural marvel. In her book, "Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures," she explores the incredible feats of engineering that shape our world, from ancient aqueducts to modern skyscrapers. This is a treasure trove of stories that can spark curiosity and wonder in your students. Imagine a lesson where you can discuss not just the what and how of building structures, but also the who and why. Kids love a good story, and Roma’s work is packed with them!

To make Roma’s insights even more hands-on, why not incorporate some simple engineering projects into your curriculum? You can start with basic materials like straws, marshmallows, and toothpicks to build structures and explore concepts such as load-bearing and stability. Roma’s emphasis on the importance of creativity and problem-solving in engineering will resonate with students as they experiment and innovate. Plus, these activities are not only educational but also incredibly fun!

By introducing your students to Roma Agrawal’s work, you’re not just teaching them about engineering; you’re inspiring them to see the world through the eyes of an engineer. Who knows? You might just have the next great structural engineer sitting in your classroom or at your kitchen table. Happy teaching!

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