REAL-LIFE SKILLS Local Wonders 8 Local wonders are buildings that are landmarks of the area where you live. Follow the steps below to get started on your own Local Wonders Investigation. Then write up what you find out. 1: Form a team You can do it on your own, but it is more fun to do it with a group. 2: Find a guide You can surf the Net. Otherwise your teacher can help you or you can contact an engineer. 3: Choose your Local Wonder Any structure that you think is interesting because of its appearance, uniqueness or historical or social impact can be a Local Wonder. Consider local bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers or other buildings, domes, dams and other constructions. Brainstorm a list of possibilities with your group. 4: Brainstorm questions In order to get information, you will need to ask a lot of questions about your Local Wonder. What do you want to know about the structure you have chosen? You may want to focus on the engineering behind it or its social and environmental impact. If your group has trouble coming up with questions, the following suggestions should spark some ideas: Engineering focus When was the structure built? How long did the construction take? Who built it? How many people were needed? What is it made of? Why did the builders choose that material? Why is it shaped the way it is? How was it built? Were there any problems during the construction? Social/environmental impact focus Why was the structure built? How much did it cost to build? How is the structure important to the community? What did the area look like before it was built? How did it change the area around it? Has it had any unexpected effects on the community? 5: Investigate the Local Wonder Next, as a group, design a research plan to investigate your Local Wonder. Your plan might include: touring the structure (take some photos or make some drawings); researching the structure at a library, historical society, or newspaper; interviewing engineers, architects, or contractors who worked on the structure; visiting the municipal planning office, engineer, building inspector or public works department; interviewing long-time community residents about their memories of the structure; surveying community members about their current opinions on the structure. 6: Sum it up Once your group completes its investigation, it is time to write up your Local Wonder. If possible, you should include photographs or original drawings. 7: Share it Report your findings on your Local Wonder to the class.