Keep on Standing!!
This lesson will allow students to conduct research on the Internet about earthquakes and buildings that have successfully withstood them. They will suggest designs for future buildings. They will then create models of their suggested designs. These models will be tested in an earthquake simulator that students construct. Students will then redesign the models so that they can successfully withstand the simulation.
Students will be able to:
Use the Internet as a research tool.
Evaluate information found in their research.
Use knowledge of earthquake waves to construct an earthquake simulator.
Predict the best design for an earthquake-proof building.
Construct a model that fits their predicted best design.
Test their model using an earthquake simulator.
Redesign their model to correct any flaws.
Evaluate the best earthquake-proof model.
Explain the reasons that certain models are the most successful.
Use of Internet: Students will use the Internet to conduct research about earthquakes and earthquake-proof buildings. They will investigate the construction of buildings that have survived earthquakes. Students will explore new innovations in construction and building codes that will minimize earthquake damage.
This lesson plan was developed by DJ Nemeth, a wNetSchool Master Teacher, and
was funded by The Louis Calder Foundation.