Earthquake House Project

CHAPTER 2 PROJECT

SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL

What construction methods and materials make structures stronger in an earthquake? In this project, you will try to answer those questions by designing, building, and testing your own model structure. You can model a house, an apartment building, an office building, a factory, a bridge, or a highway overpass.

First you will design a model, choose materials to build it, and discuss your plans with your teacher and classmates. After you learn more about earthquakes, you will complete your design and construct your model. You may run a test on your model if you like and then return it home to make improvements before the final test. At the end of the project, you will present your model to the class and do the final test on how earthquake resistant your model is.

PROJECT RULES

	As a class we will decide on the rules for building the models. For example, what should be the minimum size and maximum size for the models? What kinds of construction materials should not be used? If you and your classmates make models that are too strong, you won’t be modeling actual structures realistically.
	As a class we will decide on a way to model earthquakes of different intensities. Remember, your model should be able to withstand minor, moderate, and major earthquakes. Practice making earthquakes until you can create the right intensities for each test.
	Draw your model to scale, and list the materials you plan to use.
	Construct your model. Ask a classmate to review it and suggest improvements. Write these suggestions in your journal. After you have made changes, test your model with simulated earthquakes. Make notes in your journal about how well your model survived the earthquakes. Pay particular attention to any parts of the model that did not function well and could be improved.
	Repair and improve your model. Then you may test it again if you want. Repair if you need to.
	In a class presentation, explain how and why you changed your model. Then test your model for the last time. Make notes in journal about how well it survived a major earthquake.

SUGGESTED MATERIALS

	To represent beams, rafters, and support columns: You could use Popsicle sticks (3/8 - 1/2 in.), straight pretzels, toothpicks, drinking straws, or uncooked pasta.
	To represent walls, ceilings, roofs, and other surfaces: Use materials that can crack or break under stress not strong, stiff materials such as index cards or cardboard. Try thin crackers (saltines), tissue paper, wrapping paper, wax paper, or aluminum foil. No saran wrap.
	To join the pieces: You can only use scotch tape or Elmer’s glue.
	To make the base: Attach your model to cardboard. Use only cardboard & make it slightly bigger than your model. (To sit your structure on.)
	To make a base-isolated building: Use flexible materials such as foam rubber, rubber washers, marshmallows, cotton batting, and pieces of carpet padding or small springs and sponges and toilet paper rolls. (If you choose to make a base-isolated building.)
	To simulate an earthquake: Hold the base at opposite ends and shake it back and forth. Movements might range from 5 cm for a minor quake, 7.5 cm for a moderate quake, and up to 12.5 cm for a major quake. Also, the length of the earthquake – perhaps 5 back and forth shakes for a minor quake, 10 shakes for a moderate quake, and 15 shakes for a major quake.
	Size of model: Cannot be less than 30 cm or more than 60 cm in any direction.

HINTS FOR BUILDING YOUR MODEL

	Before you construct the entire model, build important parts of it to see how well you’re design and the materials you chose work. For example, if you think that support beams will make the walls stronger, first build just one wall to try your ideas.
	As you study this chapter you will do activities that may give you ideas about how to make your model stronger. Write down your ideas in your journal so you don’t forget them. When you test your model and are ready to improve it, review your list of ideas. Also keep a journal during the entire process of making and revising your model.

PROJECT TIME LINE

Task Date Due

1. Draw a model and list building materials. ______________________________

2. Construct one wall and show teacher. ______________________________

3. Construct model, test, and repair or improve. ______________________________

4. Present model to the class. ______________________________

5. Turn in Journal writings. ______________________________

Earthquake House Project

Science Projects

Notes - Inside Earth Pages 16 -24

Notes page 25 - 27

Notes pages 28 - 32

Notes p. 33 - 39

Notes p. 42 - 47