Download Click here for the "Shake it Up!" Lab

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: _________
“SHAKE IT
UP!”
LAB
BACKGROUND:
Natural disasters of all sorts are never to be taken lightly. The same goes for earthquakes, and in order to live
with their unexpected nature, humans need to be prepared for the worst. The majority of the world’s population
is centralized in urban settings. Cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles are a few notable American cities
with a handle on how to prepare for Mother Nature’s “shaky” habits. In order to provide a safe living
environment for those within these cities, it all starts with the roof over their heads. There are many factors that
play into the construction of a city much like where to build a skyscraper. The type of bedrock, as well as the
physical structure of each building or home takes great skill and care. Today is the day that YOU become the
architect, and design an “Earthquake-proof” building. Be the mastermind behind the architectural masterpiece
that stood-up to Mother Nature as she decided to “shake things up”. Think back to your glory days of learning
basic shapes and geometry, because today that knowledge it put to the test.
MATERIALS:
- Toothpicks
- Marshmallows
- Earthquake simulator
- Lab
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS:
1. Define an earthquake in your own words.
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2. What is the difference between the focus and the epicenter of an earthquake?
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Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________ Period: _________
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3. In the box below, draw a sketch of what your building (structure) will look like. Discuss all possible
designs with your partner(s) and decide on which design will be most stable.
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS:
1. How well did your building (structure) design withstand the seismic activity?
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2. If you were going to build a new city in the United States, where would be a good location to build it?
Where would be a hazardous (unsafe) location to build the city? (HINT: think back to plate boundaries
and plate tectonics).
SAFE LOCATION?
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UNSAFE LOCATION?
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3. If you were to reconstruct your building, what would you change about your structure? In the box
below, draw your modified (newly designed) “earthquake-proof” building.
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