EARTHQUAKES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS CAN DAMAGE OR DESTROY MAN-MADE STRUCTURES. IMAGINE THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAMMATES WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN BUILDING DISASTER-PROOF STRUCTURES. FOR AN EXAMPLE, YOUR COMPANY HAS BUILT A SKYSCRAPER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA. THIS BUILDING IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE WINDS OF A HURRICANE. FOR THIS PROJECT YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DESIGN A SKYSCRAPER THAT WILL BE BUILT IN A CITY WHERE EARTHQUAKES SOMETIME OCCUR. THE CITY PLANNERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR DESIGN ALONG WITH THE DESIGNS OF OTHER COMPANIES. THEY WILL SELECT THE BEST DESIGN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SKYSCRAPER.
Even with the best of planning structural failures can occur. Check out the video clip and photos of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster. This bridge became known as "Galloping Gertie." High winds caused the collapse of this bridge in 1940. How could this bridge have been designed differently to prevent its collapse?
You will design, build, and test a model structure made out of uncooked spaghetti sticks. Your model will be tested on a specially built earthquake machine. This machine simulates the stresses that occur during earthquakes. Your model should be able to withstand a 10 second earthquake without collapsing. You will be competing against other companies by attempting to build the best structure. You will give a brief presentation prior to the final test. In this report you will discuss your Internet research and how it helped you design your structure.
PROJECT PROCEDURES / REQUIREMENTS
Think about the different roles that will be involved in the project:
Architect (responsible for making an architectural drawing of structure)
Treasurer (responsible for financial matters)
Technology Director (responsible for collecting / presenting internet research data)
Project Manager (responsible for obtaining / managing building materials and clean - up.)
2. Search the Internet for information that could assist you in your project. You may use the websites listed in the RESOURCES or you can conduct your own search. You should try to find websites that provide information on building structures that are able to withstand earthquakes or other natural disasters. Search for ideas that will help you engineer and design your structure.
Special Note:
During your presentation you must explain how the information provided helped you throughout your project and to design your structure.
3. Using paper, poster board or any other available resource make an architectural drawing of your structure. Your design should support an egg at the top of the structure. The bottom of the egg must be at least 8 inches. above the tabletop. Design carefully! Your structure must be strong yet flexible. Your actual structure must closely match your drawing. Only minor changes will be allowed. Use your Internet research in your design.
4. You may make a one-time purchase for the materials needed for your structure. You must complete a purchase order for the materials you need. Your total budget for all materials is $4,875.00. You may not exceed your budget.
5. Begin construction of your structure. You are responsible for storage of your structure and materials. Be careful not to waste or unnecessarily damage your materials. Clean up your area when finished.
6. Using a poster as a visual aid, you will make a presentation to the class prior to the final test. (2 to 3 min.) You should explain why you think your design will support the egg and withstand the earthquake. You must cite examples from your internet research that support your design ideas.
PROJECT MATERIALS
PRODUCTCOST (per item)ITEM NUMBER
Spaghetti sticks (uncooked) $100.00 SPA - 1234
Mini marshmallows $50.00 MAR - 5678
Masking tape (1 inch) $25.00 TAP - 9000
Egg (Grade A small) Egg will be provided.
Rules for use of materials:
Spaghetti sticks may not be broken into smaller pieces than ΒΌ stick.
Marshmallows must remain intact. Do not tear or break into smaller pieces.
Do not eat any of your materials.
You may not tape your egg to the structure.
You must use only the materials your team purchases in class. You may not bring in yourown materials or use the materials from another team.
You may not tape your structure to the earthquake machine.
EarthQuake
WebQuest
EARTHQUAKES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS CAN DAMAGE OR DESTROY MAN-MADE STRUCTURES. IMAGINE THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAMMATES WORK FOR A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES IN BUILDING DISASTER-PROOF STRUCTURES. FOR AN EXAMPLE, YOUR COMPANY HAS BUILT A SKYSCRAPER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA. THIS BUILDING IS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE WINDS OF A HURRICANE. FOR THIS PROJECT YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO DESIGN A SKYSCRAPER THAT WILL BE BUILT IN A CITY WHERE EARTHQUAKES SOMETIME OCCUR. THE CITY PLANNERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOUR DESIGN ALONG WITH THE DESIGNS OF OTHER COMPANIES. THEY WILL SELECT THE BEST DESIGN FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SKYSCRAPER.
Even with the best of planning structural failures can occur. Check out the video clip and photos of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster. This bridge became known as "Galloping Gertie." High winds caused the collapse of this bridge in 1940. How could this bridge have been designed differently to prevent its collapse?
Google search: Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse
The Task:
You will design, build, and test a model structure made out of uncooked spaghetti sticks. Your model will be tested on a specially built earthquake machine. This machine simulates the stresses that occur during earthquakes. Your model should be able to withstand a 10 second earthquake without collapsing. You will be competing against other companies by attempting to build the best structure. You will give a brief presentation prior to the final test. In this report you will discuss your Internet research and how it helped you design your structure.
PROJECT PROCEDURES / REQUIREMENTS
2. Search the Internet for information that could assist you in your project. You may use the websites listed in the RESOURCES or you can conduct your own search. You should try to find websites that provide information on building structures that are able to withstand earthquakes or other natural disasters. Search for ideas that will help you engineer and design your structure.
Special Note:
During your presentation you must explain how the information provided helped you throughout your project and to design your structure.
3. Using paper, poster board or any other available resource make an architectural drawing of your structure. Your design should support an egg at the top of the structure. The bottom of the egg must be at least 8 inches. above the tabletop. Design carefully! Your structure must be strong yet flexible. Your actual structure must closely match your drawing. Only minor changes will be allowed. Use your Internet research in your design.
4. You may make a one-time purchase for the materials needed for your structure. You must complete a purchase order for the materials you need. Your total budget for all materials is $4,875.00. You may not exceed your budget.
5. Begin construction of your structure. You are responsible for storage of your structure and materials. Be careful not to waste or unnecessarily damage your materials. Clean up your area when finished.
6. Using a poster as a visual aid, you will make a presentation to the class prior to the final test. (2 to 3 min.) You should explain why you think your design will support the egg and withstand the earthquake. You must cite examples from your internet research that support your design ideas.
PROJECT MATERIALS
PRODUCT COST (per item) ITEM NUMBER
Rules for use of materials:
Resources
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-do-buildings-fall-in-earthquakes-vicki-v-may
http://www.commonfloor.com/guide/make-your-home-earthquake-proof-421.html
http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-earthquake.htm
https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/construction-and-building/made-in-japan-earthquake-proof-homes
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/kids/
http://inhabitat.com/wooden-house-can-withstand-severe-earthquakes/
http://www.eduweb.com/portfolio/bridgetoclassroom/engineeringfor.html
Building Safer Structures
Quake: Hazards & Preparedness
http://www.exploratorium.edu/faultline/damage/building.html
http://science.howstuffworks.com/skyscraper.htm/printable
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/skyscraper/wind.html