Earthquake in the Classroom Activity

Earthquake in the Classroom Activity Earthquake Engineering

Lesson/Activity

Grade: 3-6

Time required: 60 minutes

Group Size: 3-4

Expendable Cost per Group: $2.00

Engineering Connection: Building a sustainable structure that can withstand the damage caused by an earthquake. Working as engineers by coming up with an idea and then testing it.

Keywords: earthquake, cross bracing, seismic waves, structures

Educational Standards: Colorado Model Content Standards #4 and #5 Earth and Space Science: Students know and understand the processes and interactions of Earth’s systems and the structure and dynamics of Earth and other objects in space. (Benchmarks: major geological events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and mountain building are associated with plate boundaries and attributed to plate motions, the theory of plate tectonics helps to explain relationships among earthquakes, volcanoes, mid ocean ridges and deep sea trenches.) Students understand that the nature of science involves a particular way of building knowledge. (Benchmarks: models can be used to predict change, there are interrelationships among science, technology and human activity that effect the world)

Pre-Requisite Knowledge:

Learning Objectives: Learners will be able to recognize the importance of engineers. Learners will be able understand how engineers construct buildings to

withstand an earthquake. Learners will be able to design and test their built structures through earthquake simulation.

Materials List: 30 toothpicks, 30 miniature marshmallows, 1-4 8” square pan, box of jello for each pan

Before the activity: Prepare the jello the night before the activity so that it is fully set when the students begin the activity. Make one structure as display for the students.

Introduction: Earthquakes can cause millions of dollars in damage and have resulted in numerous deaths. Engineers are faced with this problem and are working on ways to reduce the total damage that is caused by an earthquake. Present the Earthquake engineering PPT and explain. Cover vocabulary words for today’s lesson.

Procedure:

1. Explain to the students the process in construction of their building.

2. Show them the display model of a structure.

3. Students can build any type of structure with specific requirements: at least 2 toothpick levels high, must include one triangle and one square, can only use supplies given, but do not have to use all.

4. After the structure is built they can test it on the jello pan (earthquake simulator) to see how the building will hold up. They can test it by producing S and P waves, by moving/shaking the pan. If time is allowed they can rebuild their structure according to its needs.

With the Students: Walk around and make sure all students understand. Assist with design process, emphasizing cross bracing.

Attachments: Earthquake engineering PPT, crossword puzzle (if there is extra time)

Safety Issues: Marshmallows and Jello are not for consumption. Troubleshooting Tips: Activity needs to be done with fresh marshmallows, as the marshmallows harden the building becomes more stable. The jello should not be left out of refrigeration for too long, as it will affect the results.

Investigating Questions:

Assessment:

Activity Extensions

Activity Scaling:

?For lower grades, do as a group

?For upper grades, ___?

Additional Multimedia Support:

References:

Other: