Thames & Kosmos Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers | Science & Engineering Kit | Build 20 Models | Learn About Force, Load, Compression, Tension | Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner, Blue
Do you ever wonder how bridges span 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 sufficient strength and stability. With this kit of modular building pieces, you can learn the basics of structural engineering by conducting 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 out 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, trusses, plates, arches, shells, and catenary. Explore the forces acting on structural components including tension, compression, shear, and bending. Move onto building more complex models of trusses, roofs, and small buildings. Experiment with different types of bridge construction: a truss bridge, arch bridge, cantilever bridge, rope bridge, and suspension bridge. Finally, build models of towering skyscrapers. What is the tallest tower you can build using only the pieces included in the kit? Learn about the strength and stiffness of materials. See how structural engineers optimize factors to maximize safety, and minimize cost and the risk of structural failure. A 36-page, full-color manual guides you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions.

Thames & Kosmos Mechanical Engineering Robotic Arms
Build six mechanical models of the types of arms, grabber claws, and legs found on robotic machines. Explore mechanical engineering principles firsthand as you assemble and play with these working models. The models use a pneumatic system which uses air pressure to activate the models. Pump up the air reservoir with the hand pump, then flick the switch to operate the model: A pneumatic piston enables the grabber claws to open and close rapidly and to grip objects with enough force to lift them. The piston can also move the arms and legs on models back and forth, demonstrating how robotic limbs move. Construct a pivoting robotic laboratory arm with gripper claw. Assemble an extra long grabber claw to pick up things that are just out of reach. Build a vertical three-fingered claw that can lift a cup up off the table keeping it level. Experiment with models of robotic exoskeleton arms and legs. Make a compact grabber claw that you can slip into your shirt sleeve to pretend you have a robotic hand. Learn how pneumatic and hydraulic systems are used in industrial robots to enable the robots to manipulate heavy objects, such as automobile components. A 32-page, full-color manual guides you through model building with step-by-step illustrated instructions.