WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL student research effects of earthquakes

Shake, rattle and roll! These words can describe earthquake activity. West Middle School eighth-grade science students have been studying earthquake causes and effects.

Since earthquakes are often unpredictable, people must be vigilant to take safety measures before, during and after an earthquake. One important precaution that must be taken, especially living in the vicinity of the “Ring of Fire,” is to build structures that can withstand an earthquake episode.

Toward that end, the science students formed groups of four to build a structure that could withstand an earthquake. Each group was given 40 spice drops and 40 coffee stirs. The building requirement was that each structure must be two stories tall and use all 40 stirs. 

Many different structures were built. Each structure was then put on a special platform. The teacher moved the platform back and forth. How long it took the structure to fall over was recorded in seconds.

    

When analyzing the success of the structure the students came to many important conclusions. Some students said they would make the base of the structure wider. Others felt that doubling up on the stirs would improve the durability of the structure . A few students voiced the opinion that they would use a different material other than spice drops because they felt the spice drops did not strongly hold the joints in place.

In a few instances, students wished they had listened to other group members and used more triangular shapes rather than rectangles to form their structure.

      

This hands-on activity that extended the curriculum objectives was a wonderful learning experience. Students had to employ many aspects of the scientific method. They hypothesized best structure construction and then tested their hypothesis. 

After they analyzed the resulting structure and made adjustments, the second try at building a structure that would withstand seismic waves was more successful. This engaging activity showed students the importance of good building practices while having the experience of solving real-world problems.

Via Sara Bochenek