The Story of Roads, Smoke, and the Highest Bridge

Who Invented Paved Roads?

People have been making paths and roads for thousands of years to help people and animals travel more easily. But the kind of paved roads we use today, made with asphalt, only began in the late 1700s. An Englishman named John McAdam came up with a new way to build roads, and in the early 1800s, he got permission from the British government to build these new roads in the Bristol area. His roads quickly became popular and helped the Industrial Revolution grow. They also made travel easier for horses, helping them carry people and goods without getting hurt.

What Is Smoke Made Of?

Smoke is a kind of cloud made of gases, carbon, and tiny bits of whatever is burning. When something burns, it gives off gas very quickly, and that gas pulls small particles from the fire up into the air. All these parts together make up smoke. The color of the smoke depends on what’s burning. Dark black smoke usually has more particles and is more harmful than light-colored smoke.

Where Is the Highest Bridge in the World?

The tallest bridge in the world is the Beipanjiang Bridge in southern China, built over a deep valley in Guizhou Province. It stands 565 meters high, that’s about twice as tall as the tallest skyscraper in Israel! The bridge is also very long, stretching 1,340 meters, with four lanes for cars. It’s part of a big highway that connects several areas in China.