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Book 25, Question 128 · Video

How did elevators and cars change the way cities grew?

Video · 1:51 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 25

Before elevators and steel frames, buildings were rarely taller than about six stories because people had to climb stairs. After elevators, cities grew upward. Later, when cars became common, roads became wider and people could live farther from work, so cities spread outward into suburbs. Subways, buses, and trains helped people travel in crowded places.

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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 did elevators and cars change the way cities grew?

The Big Idea

Cities have not always looked the way they do now. Two inventions changed them a lot! Elevators and cars.

Before

Step one: Before. Before elevators and steel frames, buildings were rarely taller than about six stories, because people had to climb stairs. Streets were built for walkers and horse carts.

Growing Up

Step two: Growing Up. After elevators, cities grew upward. Tall buildings fit more people in less space.

Growing Out

Step three: Growing Out. When cars became common, roads became wider and people could live farther from work, so cities spread outward into suburbs. Subways, buses, and trains helped people travel in crowded places.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Carts filled old streets. Elevators lifted cities. Cars spread them out. Subways moved crowds.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Early city streets were built for people walking and horse carts. Suburbs grew with cars. Steel frames helped too. Transit moves crowds.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a city before elevators and cars. Then draw it after. Compare the building heights. Compare the streets. How do the pictures differ?

Outro

Elevators let cities grow upward with taller buildings, while cars let them spread outward into suburbs with wider roads. Transit helped crowded places move. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

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