The Year 9 Science classes have recently concluded the Plate Tectonics unit by completing the Earthquake resistant building project. Students were placed into groups of two or three and set an engineering challenge to produce an earthquake resistant structure. Prior to engaging in the task, students watched an episode of Engineering Connections(S01E02) that centred around a skyscraper in Taiwan – Taipei 101. It discussed fundamental engineering design principles that seek to reduce the effect of seismic activity upon building structure, given Taiwan’s tough location above a tectonic plate boundary known as a seismic fault line and a typhoon hot-spot.

The aim of the task was to incorporate some of these engineering principles within the overall group design. The engineering challenge aspect was introduced by only providing each group with a finite set of resources (30 skewers, 15 pop sticks, 20 rubber bands, 15 paper clips, 4 hot glue sticks, 2m of string etc.) and setting particular requirements such as, overall height, minimum number of storeys, and ability to withstand a set weight on each storey. Throughout construction, groups were encouraged to conduct their own preliminary seismic activity tests with weights to simulate earthquakes and reveal potential weak points within the structures that need reinforcement.

Students worked together to hone their creativity, communication and problem-solving skills. Particularly when desired resources (such as hot glue sticks and skewers) became scarce, groups were able to negotiate and barter if available and agreed upon or relied on their ingenuity to form effective solutions from remaining resources. When put to the test each building was loaded with the weight requirement and had to endure 10 seconds each of a weak to moderate (3.0 – 5.9 magnitude on Richter scale) earthquake followed by a strong to major (6.0 – 7.9) earthquake. Groups were also provided with the opportunity to repair and reinforce the building between these tests. If buildings survived these simulations the weight per storey was increased and then tests repeated.

Students did well to include the engineering principles; particularly the concept of base isolation which was difficult to integrate within designs. Students also reflected on where these buildings are best suited around the world.

For more information on recent earthquakes visit: https://earthquakes.ga.gov.au/

Emma Kerr - Science Teacher