STEM Tuesday

STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– Writing Tips & Resources

By on June 16, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

 

It’s summer! I know everyone is busy, so here’s a short and sweet STEM Tuesday Writing Tips & Resources post in place of my normal rambling dissertation on the beauty and significance of STEM in a literary world.

I am the son of an engineer, a civil engineer. My dad was an engineer to his very core. He thought like an engineer. He fixed things, like our bikes, broken baseball bats, toys, etc., with an engineer’s approach. He packed the trash and the garbage cans every week with an engineer’s efficiency. He wrote everything in that classic engineer’s script—an engineer to the core. 

Me? I am not an engineer. I am a microbiologist. My approach to life is messier than my father’s, and my handwriting is nowhere near the neat and precise handwriting of an engineer. However, that is not to say I did not learn a thing or two from him. In fact, I gleaned many things about how he worked and went about his business that still stick with me in my creative life. One of those is his particular area of civil engineering expertise, bridge construction. 

 

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, 2011 (Almonroth, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

The main function of a bridge is to connect. A functional bridge is built through solid design and execution of its structural parts. The pilings and the caps support the deck and create the stability necessary to establish the desired connections.

For example, an island in the middle of a large lake or sea is not easily accessible until a bridge is built that connects one place to the next. As writers and creators, we can bring this concept of bridge building into building stories, 

Outlining or developing the plot points of the story provides the structural plan to assist in the execution of the story. The plot points are the islands sitting isolated in the open water. Once we get our plot points envisioned, the next step is to work to build the structural parts through design and execution.

The storytelling magic happens with the type and style of the bridges we build to connect the plot points. The stories that grab readers contain bridges with interesting features, bridges that are fun to traverse. The successful story bridges make the journey a more enjoyable experience beyond simply getting from one plot point island to another.

One tool I use to create the plot islands for outlining my stories is the Brooks Model from Larry Brooks’ excellent book, Story Engineering.

  1. Opening Scene/First Page
    1. 3 Essentials
      1. Whose story is it? Protagonist
      2. What’s happening here? There’s a world & there’s something off in it.
      3. What’s at stake? The specific conflict for the protagonist.
  2. Hooking Moment (In first 20 pages)
  3. Exposition/A setup of inciting incident(optional)
  4. First Plot Point (@ 20-25%)
  5. First Pinch Point
  6. Context Shifting Midpoint (reactionary to action @~50%)
  7. Second Pinch Point (~60%)
  8. Second Plot Point (75%)
  9. Ending/Resolution – New Normal

These nine points give me destinations to target. Once these are loosely set in stone, the drafting begins, and my creative brain switches from planning mode to bridge-building mode. The job becomes creating and building effective bridges to transport the reader to the next destination in an entertaining and engaging manner. The goal is to engage the reader in such a way to keep them traveling along the bridge instead of wanting to stop halfway across, racing for the railing, and jumping off the bridge deck into the water below.

As you ponder your stories, don’t forget the power of building bridges to get your story to its target destination. Adopt a bit of a civil engineer’s mindset into your creative work, but feel free to leave the perfectly formed engineer’s writing script behind if you so choose.

 

Tower Bridge, London (© User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons)

Mike Hays has worked hard from a young age to be a well-rounded individual. A well-rounded, equal-opportunity sports enthusiast, that is. If they keep a score, he’ll either watch it, play it, or coach it. A molecular microbiologist by day, middle-grade author, sports coach, and general good citizen by night, he blogs about sports/life/training-related topics at www.coachhays.com and writer stuff at www.mikehaysbooks.com. Two of his science essays, The Science of Jurassic Park and Zombie Microbiology 101,  are included in the Putting the Science in Fiction collection from Writer’s Digest Books. He can be found roaming Bluesky under the guise of @mikehays64.bsky.social and @MikeHays64 on Instagram.

 

The O.O.L.F Files

This month on the Out Of Left Field (O.O.L.F.) Files, we cross the bridge and explore bridges!

The Randolph Bridge on Tuttle Creek Lake in Riley County, Kansas

This was the first big bridge project my civil engineer dad worked on in the early 1960s for the Kansas Department of Transportation. After it was completed, he transferred back to Kansas City in 1964. I now live and work within 30 minutes of the bridge and still get a great deal of joy visiting and driving across the mile-long bridge.

Here’s a YouTube drone video that uses the Randolph Bridge as a backdrop to show the drone’s features.

Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

I highly recommend Story Engineering and its companion Story Physics. It’s one of those craft books I reread every few years to not only refresh my creative skills, but to revitalize them. It’s a reminder that discipline and structure actually help me be creative rather than stifle my creativity.

The Mike Hays Best Bridge in Fiction Award goes to…

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge  by Ambrose Bierce

Robert Enrico’s 1961 short film adaptation of the story is a must-watch.. I remember watching this in school and being completely mesmerized. Of course, we’d already read, or supposed to have read, the story, so the infamous Ambrose Bierce “Gotcha” moment was already played out. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic short film. Below is the Vimeo link to the movie.

https://vimeo.com/91150431  

 

 

Alcántara Bridge, Spain (Dantla from de.wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

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STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– In the Classroom

By on June 9, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

For this month’s theme, I read two books about bridges and read/wrote two books about skyscrapers. Two of these books were on this months book list and two were “bonus” books. Here’s what I read/wrote.

blue book cover of "Skyscraper" by Lynn Curlee, featuring a vintage-style illustration of the Chrysler building

Skyscraper

by Lynn Curlee

Skyscraper is presented in picture book format and includes beautiful illustrations. It follows the history of skyscrapers in general and then focuses on specific, noteworthy skyscrapers. Through this history, Skyscraper explores advances in design, construction, and materials that facilitated the building of the world’s tallest structures. This book is a bit older, so some of the later information is a bit outdated.

 

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York

by Peter J. Tomasi, illustrated by Teo Duvall

If you like graphic novels and want to fully immerse yourself in Washington and Emily Roebling’s story, read The Bridge. This book follows the design and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, including the politics and intrigue surrounding it. The book includes details about the ground-breaking processes used to construct the bridge, as well as the health and safety issues these new techniques raised. As Washington struggled with his health, his wife Emily took over the on-site oversite of the bridge, raising additional issues to be overcome.

Bonus Books:

Engineering the Eiffel Tower book cover.Engineering the Eiffel Tower

by Janet Slingerland

This book covers the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower, including the controversy surrounding the tower when it was built. It includes a look at Gustav Eiffel, the tower’s creator, including important life events that led up to his building of the Eiffel Tower.  At the end are a list of fast facts, as well as a set of questions to answer based on the book.

 

Book cover for Golden Gate: Building the Mighty BridgeGolden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge

by Elizabeth Partridge, illustrated by Ellen Heck

Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge is a picture book that follows a lighthouse keeper’s family as the Golden Gate Bridge is constructed right in front of them. Each two-page spread includes an illustration that follows the bridge from its concept through its construction.

 

As always, there are lots of different things that can be done with these books.

There are lots of great museums/sites to visit. Here are a few:

Here are some websites and activities to explore:

Here are a few other ideas for exploring bridges and skyscrapers.

Create a Timeline

Skyscraper follows the design and construction of key skyscrapers through history. Put together your own skyscraper timeline. This is great as a group activity.

For each skyscraper, illustrate or print a picture to show on the timeline. Make sure the scale is the same for each skyscraper so everyone can see how their heights compare to one another.

Do some research on the architect, building materials, construction processes, cost, and other interesting facts about the building. Consider including breakthroughs in materials, understanding, or other critical events on the timeline.

Explore a Local Marvel

Pick an interesting local bridge or skyscraper. Think about how to search for information about its design and construction. Do some online searching, using keywords like “design” and “construction” along with the name of the structure. Visit a local library to see if there is information there about it. Meet the research librarian there to get some help with the research. If possible, visit the structure in person. Some structures provide informational tours.

Think about how to present the information found about the structure:

  • Write a “biography” of the structure. Think about how to tell its story, using inspiration from this month’s books. Include photos found during the research.
  • Put together a “Get to Know Me” poster for the structure. Include basic information and fun facts. Think of fun ways to describe the height/length and weight of the structure – for instance, how many giraffes tall is it and how many school buses does it weigh?
  • Make a graphic novel or assemble a photo essay about the construction of the structure.

Janet Slingerland has written over 2 dozen books for young readers. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out her website: http://janetsbooks.com

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STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– Book List

By on June 2, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday   /   Leave a comment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridges and skyscrapers are some of the most incredible structures humans have ever built. Bridges connect people across rivers and valleys, while skyscrapers stretch high into the sky and shape city skylines. These giant structures are engineering marvels that combine creativity, science, math, and teamwork to solve amazing challenges.

 

Illustrated nonfiction book cover showing bridges around the world and explaining how they are built and used to connect places.

 

Bridges written by Magda Garguláková and illustrated by Jakub Bachorík
A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book about bridges around the world. It explains how bridges are built and why they are important, while showing different designs and styles. Readers learn how bridges connect places and help people travel more easily. It’s a clear, engaging book for curious young learners.

 

Cover of a graphic novel that explains how engineers design and build bridges across rivers and valleys using science and problem-solving.

Science Comics series:
Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces written and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch
Skyscrapers: The Height of Engineering written and illustrated by John Kerschbaum
The first graphic novel is a detailed and fun look at how bridges are designed and built. It shows how engineers solve problems to connect places across rivers and valleys.The second graphic novel explores how tall buildings are made and why they can reach such amazing heights. It explains the science and teamwork behind modern city skylines.

 

 

cover art of an illustrated true story of the Brooklyn Bridge, focusing on the engineers, challenges, and construction of the suspension bridge.

 

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Teo Hernandez DuVall
This book tells the true story of a famous suspension bridge that connects two major cities. It follows the engineers and family behind its design and construction. The story shows the challenges, danger, and determination needed to complete such a huge project. Illustrations help bring this important piece of engineering history to life.

 

 

 

 

cover of a nonfiction book that explains how bridges, buildings, and other structures are built using simple, engaging engineering explanations.

 

How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures written by Roma Agrawal and illustrated by Katie Hickey
A fun and engaging nonfiction book that explains how amazing structures are built around the world. It breaks down complex engineering ideas in a simple, kid-friendly way. Readers learn the stories behind bridges, buildings, and other impressive creations. Bright illustrations help make the science clear and exciting.

 

 

 

National Geographic – Skyscrapers written by Libby Romerocover of a nonfiction book (reading Level 3 by National Geographic Kids) with photographs showing the tallest skyscrapers and explaining how they are engineered and constructed.
A fascinating nonfiction book that explores the tallest buildings in the world. It explains how skyscrapers are designed and built using science and engineering. Readers learn about the challenges of building upward in crowded cities. Striking photographs help bring these impressive structures to life.

 

 

 

 

illustrated book cover of "Where Is the Brooklyn Bridge?"

WhoHQ series
Where is the Brooklyn Bridge? written by Megan Stine and illustrated by John Hinderliter
Where is the Empire State Building (WhoHQ Series) written by Janet B. Pascal and illustrated by Daniel Colon
These two books tell the story of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Part of the popular WhoHQ series, they feature easy-to-read text and a straightforward, accessible structure, combining history and STEM as they explore the cultural significance of these two American landmarks.

 

 

 

To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Citiewritten by Patricia Morris Buckley and illustrated by E. B. Lewisillustrated book cover of "To Walk The Sky," featuring an Iroquois man walking on a steel beam high above a cityscape
This lyrical nonfiction picture book tells the history of the skywalkers– Native American ironworkers who helped build bridges and skyscrapers all over North America. It honors their remarkable contributions to famous landmarks–including work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Lincoln Center, Sears Tower, and more–as well as their resilience in the face of terrible tragedies: the collapse of the Quebec City Bridge in 1907, and more recently, the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11.

 

 

 

 

 

book cover of "Why Humans Build Up," featuring illustrated skyscrapers in a fictional cityscape

Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers written by Gregor Craigie and illustrated by Kathleen Fu
Gregor Craigie and Kathleen Fu take readers on a world tour of tall buildings, from the Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Central Park Tower. Each chapter is organized as a different answer to the titular question, “Why [do] humans build up?” Explore how social factors, from religion to industrial competition to environmental sustainability, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering.

 

 

 

Skyscrapers!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Elizabeth Schmermund and illustrated by Mike Crosiercover image of the activity book "Skyscrapers" showing an image of a beaver wearing a baseball cap and looking up at a tall building
Bridges! With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Jennifer Swanson and illustrated by Bryan Stone
This pair of activity books from Nomad Press, part of the four-book Explore Engineering series, is full of engaging activities that explore fundamental STEM concepts. Sprinkled with fun facts and key vocabulary terms throughout, each chapter uses inquiry-based learning to guide readers through anchor questions, background information, and hands-on projects.

 

 

 

book cover of "Skyscraper" by Lynn Curlee, featuring an illustration of two buildings against a blue sky

 

Skyscraper written by Lynn Curlee
With gorgeous illustrations on every page, this book offers a deep dive into the history of skyscrapers—and the architects who designed them. The author, an art historian, sheds a unique light on the technological advances and design decisions that have made each of the featured buildings so memorable.

 

 

 

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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

 

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.  Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie Dean

 

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. She is the author of Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History (October 2026, Beaming Books) and Unstoppable Song (2027, Lerner/Carolrhoda). For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

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