Earthquakes
Investigate how earthquakes affect structures and design solutions using the Engineering Design Process
Overview
Students investigate the effects of vibrations and movement on structures then design solutions for counteracting or accommodating surface movements both major and minor.
Standards
MS-ETS1-1 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-2 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-3 Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design
Cyber Connections
Networks and Internet
Hardware and Software
Cyber Career Awareness
Section Title
Lessons
Accordion Items
Title
Explore Earthquakes
Content
Students are tasked with rebuilding a structure at a factory that has been damaged due to floor vibrations caused by the factory’s machines. Students build prototype design that are tested using a gelatin shake table.
Title
Discover Earthquakes
Content
Students research, investigate, design, and build an earthquake-resistant tower that they will test using a shake table that they create.
Title
Apply Earthquakes
Content
Students “travel” to a developing country to aid in the reconstruction after a devastating earthquake. Students must not only design new buildings that are earthquake resistant but also address the needs of the community they are serving. Prototype designs will be tested on a shake table.
Section Title
Materials
Cards
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