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ORC Resource Number #3683
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Earthquake Shaking-Building Contest and Shake Table Testing Activity
PROFESSIONAL COMMENTARY

Students explore earthquake hazards and damage to buildings by constructing model buildings and subjecting the buildings to ground vibration (shaking similar to earthquake vibrations) on a small shake table. The buildings are constructed by two- or three-person teams of students. After construction, the buildings are tested by subjecting them to earthquake shaking to see which designs and constructions are successful. Comparison of the results of the building contest with photographs of earthquake damage is used to reinforce the concepts of building design and earthquake risk. (author/ts)

CAREER APPLICATION

This site offers a step-by-step lesson description about a student construction project investigating the effects of earthquakes on models of a 3-story building. Working in small groups, students construct their models using common materials and meeting size specifications. The building models are then subjected to varying levels of earthquake simulations. The quality of the construction is analyzed based on their durability. This is an excellent introductory lesson to building construction methods. Students in the career-technical fields of Construction or Engineering and Science Technologies will find this activity particularly worthwhile. Teachers can begin this activity by sharing/viewing the earthquake damage pictures provided. (jrs)

OHIO STANDARDS
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Science Academic Content Standards
Earth and Space Sciences
NATIONAL STANDARDS
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National Science Education Standards
Science and Technology
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
RESOURCE TYPE
Content Resource
STANDARDS ALIGNMENT
Grades 11–12
CAREER FIELDS
Construction Technologies;
Engineering & Science Technologies
TOPICS
Science --
Science and Technology;
Earth and Space Science;
Processes that Shape the Earth;
Plate Tectonics;
FOUND IN
KEYWORDS
building codes;
ground vibrations;
buildng design;
earthquake risk
Publisher: Purdue University
Author: Larry Braile