Earthquake STEM Project Based Lesson

In this two day class, students will learn about what causes Earthquakes, the destruction Earthquakes leave behind and will end the class by using the engineering design process to design and construct a (model) building that can withstand an earthquake. 

In the first class, the students will watch short video clips about the cause of earthquakes (Study Jams by Scholastic) and a look at the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 (Youtube). Students will then observe a map with plots of common earthquakes and interpret why Earthquakes follow this similar pattern. Students will be able to learn various causes of earthquakes. Finally in the first class students will be introduced to the engineering design process and their task for the next class. 

Homework for the first week: Students will be asked to research buildings that are earthquake-resistant. Students will begin the engineering design process on their own as they design and plan their earthquake-resistant building. Students will gather materials for their design that they will complete together during the second class. 

In the second class, students will begin constructing their model of an earthquake-resistant building. Students will have the opportunity to construct it on camera and engage with other classmates and share ideas. Students will begin testing their designs and make changes as needed. Other students can engage with their classmates and offer ideas for revision. 

As a teacher, I love to present all the needed information to students and then facilitate as they apply it. I love to help them come up with solutions to their problems through questions and guidance. I believe students learn by experiencing it with engaging real-life lessons and through discussion. I will facilitate discussion and guide students to learn about earthquakes and the engineering design process. 

Students do not need a very deep prior knowledge to earthquakes or the engineering design process. Just be eager and ready to learn!

Materials Needed:
Provided Handouts
Materials for Earthquake-resistant building (Can include basic household items: index cards, popsicle sticks, marshmallows, spaghetti, tape. 


NGSS Science Standards- Fourth Grade Science Standards but students above or below will find this lesson fun and engaging!
4-ESS2-2.	Analyze and interpret data from maps to describe patterns of Earth’s features.  [Clarification Statement: Maps can include topographic maps of Earth’s land and ocean floor, as well as maps of the locations of mountains, continental boundaries, volcanoes, and earthquakes.]
4-ESS3-2.	Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could include designing an earthquake-resistant building and improving monitoring of volcanic activity.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.]