Leo knows some places have earthquakes.
To keep people safe, help him design buildings that won't be destroyed by earthquakes.

What shape buildings are least likely to be damaged by earthquakes?
Why?

What building materials will hold up well to an earthquake’s shaking force?
Why?

How can we design buildings to reduce the impacts of earthquakes on people?

Make a building and a shaking machine that works like an earthquake.

Use the machine to test if an earthquake will destroy your design.

Program your model to shake the building at different motor speeds, starting low and then increasing the speed.

Each time, test and record how long the building stays standing.
Do some building designs fall right away? Why?

Use your model and sketches to explain the building design.

Use your model and sketches to explain your testing results, including why the design worked or failed.

Notice the other designs in the class.
Which will best reduce the impacts of earthquakes on people?
Why?

Build and program your model to add an alarm that warns people an earthquake is coming.

Great job!