1. What kinds of materials are skyscrapers built out of? List
some materials and tell whether they are strong in tension or strong in
compression.
2. What is a beam? What
materials are beams made of? Why are these appropriate materials for
beams?
3. Steel beams come in different shapes and sizes. What are some of the
shapes, and the benefits of each of the different shapes that you find?
4. Investigate at least 5 skyscrapers from the list of the 25
tallest skyscrapers. What are they made from? What is special about
the designs of each? Why do they hold up so well instead of falling over
because of their height? Write at least one interesting fact about each
one.
5. What other questions do you want to find answers to while working on
this project?
6. After working with the journalist in your group, get a copy of the
interview questions and the name of one person to interview. You will
need to complete an interview worksheet for the interview
that you do and attach it to your research notes and turn it in with your report.
2. What is a beam? What
materials are beams made of? Why are these appropriate materials for
beams?