Mr. Rowitt ([email protected]) – Earth Science
School 30
DUE: 4/19/2017
This project will require you to use your imagination and ordinary objects to design and build model structure
that can withstand earthquakes of various intensities.
Imagine that you are an engineer working for development team at ― “30 Nevada Building Company, Inc.”
Your company is sponsoring a contest to see which team or individual can design a model house that can
withstand earthquakes of various intensities.
Planning and Research:
Think about how you can use your knowledge of seismology (earthquakes) in your design: Think about the
measurements and observations you will have to make and plan how you will do it. Be sure to consider any
possible safety issues. Do background research on earthquakes and earthquake engineering. The following
websites are good starting points:
How Earthquakes Happen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwtFuG_M4EE
The USGS Earthquake Education Site: http://education.usgs.gov/common/secondary.htm - earthquakes
Ask-A-Geologist: http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/ask-a-geologist/
Earthquake Engineering Research, University of California, Berkeley http://www.eerc.berkeley.edu/
Designing:
There are four factors that should be considered when designing a durable structure:
Factor 1: Distribution of weight
How does the distribution of weight within a structure affect its stability during an earthquake? The darker
block is heavier than the other two- which design will be more stable? Why?
Factor 2: Variation in shape
How does variation in shape and placement of objects within a structure affect its stability during an
earthquake? Predict which structure has the best chance of withstanding an earthquake and explain why.
Factor 3: Variation in height
How does the variation in the height of each structural element and its placement affect the structure’s stability
during an earthquake? Predict which structure has the best chance of withstanding an earthquake and explain
why.
Factor 4: Variation in foundation material
How does variation in foundation material affect the stability of a structure during an earthquake? Predict which
structure has the best chance of withstanding an earthquake and explain why.
Designing Safety Within
You should also think about what you can do within a building to keep people safe from earthquake hazards.
What would you have to do to TVs, bookshelves, lamps, kitchen cabinets (with all the glasses and plates),
refrigerators, pictures on the wall, etc.?
Your project must be (Choose 1):
❏ Constructed
❏ Drawn out in diagram on poster board (neatness counts if you draw out your ideas!!)
Your project must contain:
❏ A written explanation of what an earthquake is scientifically speaking.
❏ A written description of how an earthquake happens. *Hint – What happens in the crust of Earth that
releases earthquake events?
❏ Compression versus Shear waves – how do these waves move compared and contrasted to one another?
❏ A written description of the additions that were made to your structure to specifically adapt to
earthquake conditions.
You will be graded on this project using the following rubric if you draw your ideas only:
Category
Points Earned
Title (5 Points) clearly visible
5 Yes 0 No
Areas to be Included (30 Points)
- contains all the needed information terms/areas 30----25----20----15----10----5----1
Presentation (45 Points)
- must be neat
30 Yes
0 No
- color is added
10 Yes
0 No
- organized and clearly shows the needed information
54321
0 No
Accuracy (20 Points)
- processes are represented accurately
20----15----10----5----1
Build a model in addition to the above (40 Points)
Total Points Earned/Total Points Possible
Send any questions you have to: [email protected]
DUE: 4/19/2017
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