Earthquake!

A few groups are moving onto the third robotics lesson in Lego WeDo 2.0.  This lesson focuses on earthquakes.  The students learn about what causes earthquakes and then create a shaking machine.  Then they create different structures.  They place these structures on their shaking machine and keep increasing the magnitude of the shaker until their structure falls off of it.  Eventually their goal is to create the highest possible structure that can withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake.  The students are learning about how to create structures that are earthquake resistant.  Their tasks are posted below the two pictures.

What other factors make structures earthquake resistant?

1. Answer these questions by watching the videos that goes  along with it.  What cause earthquakes, and what are the hazards (problems) they create?  How do scientists rate the strength of an earthquake?  What factors can influence the resistance of buildings during an earthquake?

Plate Tectonics

Earthquakes and Plates

Earthquakes

Earthquake Resistant

Earthquake Resistant 2

2.  Start building.

3.  

Building	Magnitude

Build the highest possible structure to withstand an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.  Measure the height of your structure and list it here.  Explain how you built it and how you made it earthquake resistant.

Try one more time to build a building that is even stronger.  If successful, explain what you changed?

Finally, write a paragraph explaining what your group learned about earthquakes and designing buildings to withstand them.