Earthquake proof
Electronics & Cardboard Level 1/2
Overview
This project explores earthquakes and focuses on the recent earthquake in Indonesia. It builds skills of circuits, developing their level one circuit skills to incorporate motors whilst also developing their skills of paper and carboard construction. Tinker time gives pupils the chance to make a wobble plate to test out an earthquake resistant building.
We have included a range of exploration activities. They have been designed to promote curiosity and give pupils a sophisticated knowledge base with which to create their tinker time project. However, if time is short, please feel free to select the most appropriate activities for your pupils.
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What's going on? (starter)
Use this PDF before the project begins
The words in blue help pupils to think about the skills they are using
What are Earthquakes?
Watch this clip and ask pupils to consider what precautions are taken in areas where Earthquakes happen
Find out more about Earthquakes by visiting the BBC bitesize page
2 paper straws per pupil or pair
sellotape
pipe cleaners
string
Simulating Earthquakes
This clip explores how engineers develop and test Earthquake resistant buildings
Use this animated guide from the Guardian to explore earthquakes further (requires flash)
Simple Circuits
Use these resources to help pupils to build skills of using motors
battery pack (2xAA)
batteries (AA)
motor
corks
blue tack
masking tape
wire strippers
Can you make a wobble plate to test an earthquake proof building?
Engineers need to make sure that they design building to withstand the forces generated by earthquakes. To make sure they have the correct design and the right materials, engineers develop test rigs (like the one you saw in the skill builder). We call these test rigs wobble plates and would love to see if you can make one which will simulate the movement of an Earthquake.
1.) create a motor with vibrating motion (think back to the skill builder)
2.) attach your motor to a surface (plate) that your building can stand on
3.) design your wobble plate to re-create the movement of an earthquake (think back to the exploration) TOP TIP: you may need 2 surfaces to re-create the movement (think about how a trampoline works)
Use the resources below to help you.
Teacher Note:
The main aim of this activity is for children to deepen their knowledge, skill and confidence in using electronics to create solutions. This is done through building a wobble plate test rig.
Children could also design earthquake proof buildings to be tested using the principles we looked at in the exploration. If you choose not to do this element of the project, you might want to prepare a simple model for pupils to use to test our their rig. You could use paper straws or skewers connected with blue tack to do this.
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Teacher notes
Use this PDF to help promote deeper thinking during the project and support pupils with difficulties
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Pupil resource
PDF pupil sheet for the Tinker Time project
marbles
carboard (shoe box?)
carboard sheets
cardboard cutters/scissors
paper
pipe cleaners
string
skewers
wire strippers
batteries AA
battery pack 2xAA
motor
elastic bands
corks
blue tack
masking tape
Key Stage 2: National Curriculum links
Geography
Human and physical geography describe and understand key aspects of: Earthquakes
English (lower key stage 2)
Retrieve and record information from non-fiction
English (Upper key stage 2)
Retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction
Design and technology
Design
use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, prototypes,
Make
select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately
Technical knowledge
apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]