Introduction

This is a team project. You will work in a group of 2 or 3. The goal is to understand and model seismic waves and to build a seismograph. Finally, you use design thinking to build modify the seismograph to detect tsunamis.

Let's get started

Station 1

  1. Complete STEM 1. Project planner.

    • Read through the rest of the stations.

    • Set goals for each week. (Which tasks to accomplish). Be specific with the description of the tasks.

    • Each box = one class, you may plan to work on the weekend if needed.

    • Fill in your planner for 4 weeks.

Station 2

  1. Follow your planner.

  2. Complete STEM 2. Task log each class.

  • Describe your task

  • Keep track of how much time you spent on the task (0.5/1/1.5 hours, etc.)

  • Evaluate your productivity (I, 1, 2, 3, 4). See picture above for the description.

Station 3

  1. Complete STEM 3. Prior knowledge.

    • Work in groups of 2 or 3.

  2. Fill in task log.

Station 4

  1. Watch video. Earthquake waves.

  2. Make a wave machine. Follow the instructions booklet (OneNote) or watch this video.

  3. Fill in task log.

Station 5

  1. Model s-waves with your wave machine.

  2. Model p-waves with a slinky.

  3. Record a short video of your models and upload them to Teams.

  4. Compare the models and answer the questions in STEM 4. Analog data.

  5. Fill in task log.

Station 6

  1. Complete STEM 5. Digital data.

  2. Build a seismograph.

    • Follow the instructions booklet (in folder OR OneNote)

    • Materials are in STEM box. Ask Ms. Lau if you are missing items. Do NOT take materials from other STEM boxes.

  3. Fill in task log.

Station 7

  1. Connect your seismograph to a microcontroller.

  2. Visualize data with Excel data streamer.

  3. Record of video of your functional seismograph (movement creates visual data in Excel). Attach video to Teams Assignment (STEM 5.)

  4. Answer the questions in STEM 5. Digital data.

  5. Fill in task log.

Station 8

  1. Complete STEM 6. Design challenge

  2. Follow the Design Thinking Loop.

    • Modify the design of your seismograph to detect tsunami wave activity in the ocean.

  3. Fill in task log.

  4. Create a PowerPoint presentation for the evaluation of your design. Discuss design process, failures, and solutions. Use data and videos to show how your prototype detected seismic waves. Discuss possible prototype ideas.

  5. Attach the PowerPoint to STEM 7. PowerPoint

Station 9

  1. Complete STEM 8. Reflection.

  2. Turn in -> "Hand in" box.

Learning goals

  • creating a project timeline

  • monitoring and evaluating productivity

  • supporting reflection with details and examples

  • collaborating effectively (contributing, working towards common goals, supporting each other)

  • building a transverse wave model and compare s- and p-waves

  • building a seismograph and collect data on earthquake activity with digital tools (excel data streamer and micro:bit

  • presenting effectively (memorizing, speaking clearly, engaging the audience)

  • creating effective PowerPoint presentations