The Skyscraper Building Challenge
Technology Web Quest This is a study about skyscrapers, which are some of the engineering marvels of the world. There is more to skyscrapers than just concrete and steel, even though those are two major components used in their construction. By the time you complete this assignment you will have studied forces that act upon these huge buildings and the materials used to make them. To get started, go to the T.E. home page and go to "Tech Links". From there you will need to use the "Building Big" link. Once you have reached the "Building Big" web site, click on skyscrapers and explore the web site.   Guide lines: 1. Explore "Skyscraper Basics" Go through any of the links associated with this page. When you reach the end of this page do not do the skyscraper challenge yet. The next activity will be the "Loads Lab".   2. Explore the "Loads Lab" Start with forces and view all 4 elements of this interactive lab This page has many interactive activities. Play with all of them to get an idea about what it takes to build a stable building.   3. "The Skyscraper Challenge" You are given 3 situations where a skyscraper was poorly designed and is now having some problems. Your job is to use what you have learned about the construction of skyscrapers to fix the problems and make these buildings safe. While you are exploring this web site be sure to answer the corresponding questions, then turn them in when you are done.   Q & A Skyscrapers: How do engineers design skyscrapers to resist the wind?   What is a buttress?   When was the first passenger elevator installed?   What do engineers do to strengthen rectangular shapes?   Name two forces that act upon skyscrapers.   What material did you use to reconstruct the apartment complex that burnt down in Chicago?   What is the strongest shape to use in construction? (arch, rectangle, triangle)   What is the name of the first tall building supported by steel?   How tall are the Petronas Towers?   What materials are good for constructing skyscrapers?   -End of Questions-   PowerPoint Presentation Activity: There is still one more research activity that you need to do. The Building Big web site has many links to different famous skyscrapers' web sites. Your task is to choose one of these skyscrapers, using the links to research that particular building and create a (six slides) PowerPoint presentation.   Include pictures in your slide presentation along with documentation that contains information about its construction: why it was built the date it was built facts about the building (example- how tall it is).   The first slide should be a title page. Be sure your name and the building's name are on the first slide. Create links (buttons) to the web sites that you used in your Internet search on the last slide of your presentation. Between the first and last slide with the four remaining slides communicate the information about the skyscraper being researched. A total of six slides are required to complete the project and remember to name your document: last name_skyscraper . When your project presentation is completed save it to your Bath LAN account and drag the document into the shared folder (TE-BHS). Back to: The Design World
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