Designing an Earthquake-resistant Structure

Future engineers design and build structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows. They then make sure the structures can withstand an earthquake simulator!

This is an excellent collection of background material, resource and video links, and lesson activities on earthquakes and methods for constructing buildings that will withstand an earthquake.

Technology or engineering teams are given a task to design, construct, and test the efficiency of a structure that will foster an even temperature throughout an entire sunny day. Intended as a long-term project, pupils research, plan,...

Engage young scientists in a project where high fashion meets engineering! Using foam core and hot glue, partnered pupils design and create a functional, fashionable pair of shoes. Groups then put the footwear through its paces using a...

In this project, students will build model earthquake-resistant buildings and measure their movement during a simulated earthquake using a mobile phone and a sensor app.

Engineers at Stanford University have designed a building that sits on a seismic isolator and is earthquake-resistant. When an actual house was tested on a shake table with a powerful earthquake simulation, the structure itself was...

Do you think you can build a house that can withstand the shaking from an earthquake? In this activity, students design and construct model building that will be tested on a shake table with a force sensor. Activity includes questions...

A video lecture that introduces a technique that can be used to make buildings earthquake-resistant. The instructor demonstrates and explains how to use simple materials to build a shear wall for a building. [9:15]

Explains the physics of building movement during an earthquake through a discussion of force, mass, acceleration, frequency, and period. Then looks at the factors that affect a building's resilience versus the damage it could sustain.

Students learn about earthquakes and how they effect structures. Student then apply their knowledge by trying to build an earthquake resistant city.