View larger
Build an Earthquake-Resistant Structure
New activity
Create an earthquake simulator using a cardboard shoebox, marbles, and rubber bands. Children and tweens can build structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows, and use the earthquake simulator to test the structures.
Open Activity
How-to Video
-
Rating
-
Participants Enjoyed the ActivityParticipants Learned from This ActivityActivity Instructions Were Clear and Easy to FollowWould Recommend
Related Programming Resources
Reviews
Fun and informative
Any program that requires free building is generally a hit, and this one was especially so. I did this with 5-6th grades, and they enjoyed building structures that could possibly withstand an earthquake. Because of time constraints, I did not make the earthquake device, but instead had the kids place their buildings on a cookie sheet which two other students held. Those students would slowly begin to move and shake the cookie sheet, and gradually add more force, seeing when the structure might break. We also gave the kids options of other building material; they made toothpick/marshmallow structures, then tried structures with Popsicle sticks and tape, just to see what different materials might do. I found the scientific background information in the activity especially helpful when explaining the project to the kids, and the science behind it.