Shake and Break: An Earthquake Simulation
Middle School
Physical Sciences
An earthquake simulator, or seismic table is constructed and then used to test the structural soundness of several types of student built houses. Several different construction materials are used to demonstrate what type best survives an earthquake. Two different geological foundations, bedrock and water-saturated sand, are tested to show the effect of liquefaction on buildings. The model seismic table is useful in gathering data that are representative of actual damage incurred during severe earthquakes.
