Book 25, Question 5 · Video
How does a tower crane grow taller as the building grows?
A tower crane stands on a tall mast. To climb higher, a special frame slips around the mast, lifts the top section of the crane, and lets workers slide a new piece of mast into the gap. The crane then rests on its taller mast. A counterweight at the back balances the load being lifted at the front. Operators work from a cab or by remote.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How does a tower crane grow taller as the building grows?
The Big Idea
A tower crane builds a skyscraper floor by floor. But how does the crane get taller too? It climbs itself!
The Mast
Step one: The Mast. A tower crane stands on a tall mast. The mast is made of stacked steel sections.
Climbing
Step two: Climbing. To climb, a special frame slips around the mast and lifts the top section of the crane. Workers slide a new piece of mast into the gap, and the crane rests on its taller mast.
Balance
Step three: Balance. A counterweight at the back balances the load being lifted at the front. Operators work from a cab up high, or by remote control.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! The frame slips around the mast. It lifts the top. A new piece slides in. The crane is taller.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A crane can lift many tons, as much as several cars. Some crane operators climb a tall ladder to their cab. Cranes stop working in strong wind. The top can spin all around.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Draw four pictures in order to show how a tower crane climbs. First, the frame slips around the mast. Next, it lifts the top. Then a new mast piece slides in. Finally, the crane rests on its taller mast.
Outro
A tower crane grows taller by using a special frame to lift its top so workers can slide in a new mast piece. A counterweight keeps it balanced as it lifts loads. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!