Summary of Bridges and Tunnels: Investigate Feats of Engineering with 25 Projects by Donna Latham

Unleash your inner engineer with 'Bridges and Tunnels' by Donna Latham. Discover 25 exciting projects and the science behind these marvels!

Welcome to the world of Bridges and Tunnels, the book that might just make you reconsider your life choices-particularly if you thought being an engineer was boring. Spoiler alert: it isn't, and Donna Latham is here to prove it with a combination of engineering wonder and DIY excitement. The only thing missing is a cape.

This gem presents us with 25 projects that allow you to dive deep into the awe-inspiring realm of engineering marvels. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County (and your dreams of being a bridge designer) to the underwater tunnels that leave you wondering how on earth they built them without accidentally flooding everything, this book covers it all. Talk about high stakes!

Latham takes you on a journey through the nuts and bolts (literally) of the engineering world, starting with the basic principles of what makes bridges and tunnels work. Yes, we're talking about physics, forces, and the kind of math you thought you'd left behind in high school-but don't worry, there's no algebra test at the end! This is 'Build It Yourself', after all-your opportunity to bring your inner architect to life...or at least try to without setting anything on fire.

As you leaf through the pages, you'll encounter a mix of:

- History: Find out how ancient engineers crossed rivers without Google Maps. Spoiler: it mostly involved a lot of trial and error, and some plucky souls who weren't afraid of a little mud.

- Materials: Discover what makes a bridge stand tall and proud-or collapse tragically, just like your New Year's resolutions. Spoiler alert: it's all about strong materials like steel and concrete. Who knew?

- Designs: From the simple arch bridge to the complex suspension bridges that make your average high school science project look like finger painting, you'll get an all-access pass to the creative minds behind these structures.

And then, the pièce de résistance: the projects. Each project serves as a hands-on activity that will have your kids (or you!) running to the craft store faster than you can say "engineering genius." Want to build a mini suspension bridge? Or maybe you'd prefer crafting a model of a tunnel? Either way, prepare to get your hands gluey and your brain buzzing.

Of course, not everything will go smoothly. Some projects might turn into dramatic episodes of "Engineering Gone Wrong," but hey, that's all part of the fun, right? Just keep the fire extinguisher handy.

So, if you've ever dreamt of being an engineer or simply want to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of tensile strength (yes, that's a thing), then grab a copy of Bridges and Tunnels. You'll learn, create, and possibly even want to build your own personal bridge or tunnel (let's steer clear of city permits, shall we?). In the end, you'll not only know the difference between a cantilever bridge and a cable-stayed bridge, but you'll also have the bragging rights to say, "Yeah, I can totally build that."

So, are you ready to transform yourself into a bridge-building master? Or at least someone who knows what a truss bridge is? Grab your reading glasses, it's time to dive into some engineering magic!

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.