Sixth Graders Design Earthquake-Resistant Skyscrapers

Students in Matt Lubicky’s Sixth Grade Science classes recently have been designing and constructing earthquake-resistant skyscrapers. Working in pairs and using various materials (pipe cleaners, index cards, straws, tape, and more), students worked through the engineering design process to plan, create, and improve upon their designs of a tall building that must withstand a 7.0 earthquake on shake tables that they constructed themselves. Students tested different shapes and sizes to determine which worked best as they advanced through the engineering design process. They then needed to determine how to best attach them at the ground floor to avoid the buildings sliding during the simulated earthquake. The pairs were graded based on their building effectiveness, look and materials usage, partnership and behavior, and thoroughness of an engineering packet that was completed.