In the United States, local building inspectors ensure that construction follows state regulations set forth in the building code. Site visits and approval processes at specific stages of construction ensure that buildings are safe for the public.
The specific guidelines contained in the building code are based on materials tests, conducted decades ago by engineers on standard building supplies. A sample materials test demonstrated on hobby supplies is shown in the following graph, excerpted from The Science of Home Construction from Schottenbauer Publishing.
Discussion Questions
- What is the maximum force leading to breakage?
- Over what time is the force applied?
Discussion Questions
- What is the force required to lift the plywood?
- Why is the force line jagged?
- Why is the initial force not 0?
Over 8,000 graphs from Schottenbauer Publishing provide additional real-life topics for student learning, including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics.
Additional Information
New book series from Schottenbauer Publishing allow students to learn about the science of home construction through graphs. The Science of Home Construction and The Science of Energy Efficiency from Schottenbauer Publishing contain graphs which can be integrated into classes for assessments, projects, and tests. Designed to supplement traditional curricula, these books can be used in elementary, middle, and high school, as well as college and university. The books are also well-suited for homeschool use. The book series are as follows:
The Science of Home Construction
- Volume 1: Material Testing
- Forces
- Beams
- Plywood
- Blocks
- Roof Trusses
- Glue
- Volume 2: Tools & Material Testing
- Tools
- Rotation Patterns
- Electricity Usage
- Material Testing
- Heating/Cooling
The Science of Energy Efficiency
- Volume 1: Light Bulbs & Electrical Appliances
- Volume 2: Light Bulbs & Electrical Appliances
- Light Intensity
- Magnetic Fields
- Heat
- Volume 3: Alternative Energy
- Solar Power
- Hydropower
- Wind Turbines
This blog is devoted to sharing graphs from these book series, along with discussion questions and occasionally supplemented by videos.
Schottenbauer Publishing offers over 8,000 graphs on real-life topics for student learning, collected into topic areas including sports, transportation, construction, environment, music, entertainment/toys, and general physics.
Additional Information
