Young readers are fascinated by how the things around them are constructed. This volume will answer many of the questions they have, by first addressing the job of civil engineers and then explaining how some of the world’s greatest engineering marvels were built. Students will learn how tunnels such as the English Channel Tunnel are built under water; how dams like the Hoover Dam are built and the purpose they serve a community; and why the Panama Canal was an important improvement to world trade. Finally, readers will learn how to build a beam bridge in a step-by-step craft project.

Engineering 101 -- What is civil engineering? -- Early civil engineering -- Working with water -- To get to the other side -- The Panama Canal -- The Hoover Dam -- The Channel Tunnel -- A new engineering marvel -- Wanted: civil engineers -- Engineering in action: build a beam bridge.