Building Strong: Earthquake-Proof Structures!

Science Grades 5th Grade 2:18 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about the importance of strong foundations in building earthquake-resistant structures. Discover how engineers design buildings to withstand earthquakes, using simple models to understand key concepts.

Video Resource

How to construct stronger buildings - from Fun Kids Inspiring Engineers

Fun Kids Learn

Duration: 2:18
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Foundations provide stability to buildings.
  • Earthquakes create forces that can topple buildings.
  • Engineers design buildings to resist earthquake forces.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to explain the importance of a strong foundation for tall buildings.
  • Students will be able to describe how earthquakes can affect buildings.
  • Students will be able to design and build a model building that can withstand simulated earthquake forces.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about earthquakes. Show the video 'How to construct stronger buildings - from Fun Kids Inspiring Engineers'. Briefly introduce the concept of civil engineering and its role in building safe structures.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    Discuss the video with the students. Ask them what they observed about the different building foundations. What happened when the buildings were shaken? Why did some buildings fall over while others didn't? Explain that engineers think about these questions when they design buildings in areas that have earthquakes.
  • Activity: Building Earthquake-Proof Towers (25 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with paper cups or building blocks. Challenge them to build the tallest tower they can that can withstand a simulated earthquake (shaking the table or tower). Encourage them to experiment with different foundation designs. Have the students build a tower with a narrow base first to show instability, then encourage them to rebuild using a wider base.
  • Wrap-up (10 mins)
    Have each group present their tower and explain the design choices they made. Discuss which designs were most successful and why. Reiterate the importance of strong foundations in earthquake-resistant buildings. Ask them to think about buildings in your town and how they are constructed.

Interactive Exercises

  • Earthquake Simulator
    Use a simple earthquake simulator app (if available) to demonstrate the effects of different earthquake intensities on structures.
  • Foundation Design Challenge
    Provide students with various materials (cardboard, craft sticks, etc.) and challenge them to design and build a strong foundation for a model building.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important to have a strong foundation for a building?
  • How do earthquakes affect buildings?
  • What are some ways engineers can make buildings earthquake-proof?
  • Can you think of examples of structures in our community that have strong foundations? What are they?
  • Why do some places, like Japan, need to build very tall buildings?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Engineering design
  • Observation
  • Collaboration

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the most important part of a building to make it strong against earthquakes?

Correct Answer: The foundation

Question 2:

What is an earthquake?

Correct Answer: A shaking of the ground

Question 3:

What do engineers do to protect buildings from earthquakes?

Correct Answer: Design strong foundations

Question 4:

If you were building a tower, which foundation would be the strongest?

Correct Answer: Many cups spread out

Question 5:

Where are foundations usually located?

Correct Answer: Underneath the ground

Question 6:

Why do some places, like Japan, build very tall buildings?

Correct Answer: Because they are running out of space

Question 7:

What does a civil engineer do?

Correct Answer: They design and build structures like buildings and bridges

Question 8:

What happens when a building has a foundation that is the same width as the building?

Correct Answer: It will fall over easily during an earthquake

Question 9:

What is the purpose of simulating an earthquake with the paper cup tower?

Correct Answer: To test how strong the building is

Question 10:

What should you think about next time you are walking in the city?

Correct Answer: What is under your feet (the foundations)

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The part of the building that is usually underground is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: foundation

Question 2:

A shaking of the earth is called an ___________.

Correct Answer: earthquake

Question 3:

___________ design buildings to be safe, even during earthquakes.

Correct Answer: Engineers

Question 4:

A wide base makes a tower more ___________.

Correct Answer: stable

Question 5:

A strong ___________ helps a building withstand earthquake forces.

Correct Answer: foundation

Question 6:

In the video, the engineer's name is ___________.

Correct Answer: Melanie

Question 7:

The radio station featured in the video is called ___________ Kids Learn.

Correct Answer: Fun

Question 8:

A civil engineer works to make sure structures like buildings are ___________.

Correct Answer: safe

Question 9:

Making the foundation ___________ helps the building withstand an earthquake.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 10:

The paper cups were used to ___________ a building.

Correct Answer: simulate

Educational Standards

5.PS2.1:Support an argument, with evidence, that Earth's gravitational force pulls objects downward toward the center of the earth. 5.ESS3.1:Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments. 5.PS1.3:Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.

Teaching Materials

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