Process
Week 1
- Set up groups - remember that you are working together as a group, so you are all responsible for the work. If you can not work together as a group, a new group will be created.
- Design your model and discuss your plans with your classmates.
Some websites you may want to check out prior to designing:
- Building Safer Structures - USGS website
- Quake: Safer Structures, Engineering, and Building Codes - USGS Website
- General Earthquake Links
- Sketching Techniques -
- Sketching Practice - Monmouth Regional High School
- Linear Design Process - Monmouth Regional High School
- Dimensioning - Texas Trade & Industrial Teachers
- Powerpoint - Microsoft.com
- Multiview Drawing - California Engineering & Technology Alliance
Together you should start designing a building that you think will withstand earthquake testing.
Keep in mind that you will only be able to use the following materials in the actual construction of your building.
- Up to 200 small popsicle sticks
- Up to 200 large popsicle splints
- Glue
In addition, your building must meet the following requirements:
- Buildings must be 45 cm tall
- Buildings must have 3 stories
- Each story must be 15 cm high
- Each story must have a floor
- Buildings must have roofs
- Buildings cannot have solid walls (instead, the structures should be more like scaffolding)
- Building bases (footprints) must be 22.5 x 22.5 cm
- Use the linear design process to create your drawing.
- Draw your model to scale
- List the materials you plan to use.
Week 2
- Create presentations and present designs to class.
Remember to create an exciting and impressive Power Point presentation. Limit your words and include figures and diagrams. Check out this link for more help on creating your presentation.
- Market analysis and feedback from classmates on building design
Images courtesy of Discovery Education Clip Art
Week 3
Build earthquake buildings.
Remember that you have one week and also you have LIMITED supplies. You can not "purchase" additional supplies if yours break or are lost.
Work together as a group - that means that one person is not doing all the gluing while everyone else sits and watches!
Please keep newspaper under your project/on your workspace. Clean up all glue and mess at the end of class. You will not be dismissed until your workspace is clean and approved by a teacher.
Week 4
Test buildings and reflect.
Image courtesy of Engineering Research Centers
Your building will be tested on a "shake table" (2 sheets of plywood connected with 4 springs). The three types of seismic waves will be simulated for 30 seconds each. Your building must withstand all three types of seismic waves with NO damage to be considered earthquake-safe.
Keep in mind - you will not lose points if your building fails - it is more that you learn from the results.
Following the testing of all buildings, you will write a reflection on the project.