Sky Boys tells the story of how the Empire State Building, the tallest building in the world for forty years, was built during the Great Depression and completed ahead of schedule.  If you would like to learn more about the Empire State Building, visit the official site by clicking here. Information about skyscrapers in general, can be found at the Skyscraper Museum just click here. This site contains engaging lesson plans and hands-on activities under Resources for Educators. 

A reading of Sky Boys introduced the topic of the day, the Empire State Building.

An obstacle course that simulated various jobs on the building site was the first activity. Students climbed steps, walked along girders, tossed rivets,

hammered the rivets home,

and finished the course by inspecting the duct work.

Using marshmallows or styrofoam pieces and toothpicks, students constructed their own buildings.

Other students fashioned their creations using manufactured building sets.

Upon viewing different building styles and features, students created their own version of  skyscrapers on poster board  .

When placed side by side, they formed a lovely skyline.

If you would like to make your own paper model of the Empire State Building, click here for the print out.