Collaboratory Corner

The 'Quake Shake

For the past two weeks, our second graders have been learning all about earthquakes.  They studied why earthquakes occur, how they start, and what they have the power to do.  Students quickly realized that earthquakes and their aftermath present many problems that have been tackled by engineers, such as how to create building structures that are sturdy yet flexible enough to endure an earthquake.  Therefore, the students were presented with a design challenge:  Build a structure that is at least 36 cm. tall, can hold a weighted bag, and can withstand a simulated earthquake.  The students were given a limited set of resources (1 cardboard base, 30 straws, 10 paper clips and tape) and a couple of engineering tips about trusses and cross-bracing.  They began to design, plan, and create their structures.  When they were finished, the students had the opportunity to test out their structures.  I used a tray of Jello that I was able to shake to simulate an earthquake.  The structures had to remain intact and standing for ten seconds to complete the challenge.  If the first attempt wasn't successful, the students were given a few minutes to do some improvements and redesigns.  The students' structures were very successful in the long run (after some improvements were made), and I was so impressed by how determined the students were to complete the challenge.  They did not give up or get frustrated when one of their ideas didn't work out, and I was so proud of their perseverance!  

,an