PROBLEM: What happens to buildings on the Earth's surface during an earthquake?

PREDICTION:

PROCEDURE: You will conduct two experiments to study how different structures withstand simulated earthquake waves. Follow the directions given for each exercises below.

EXERCISE I. 
 
MATERIALS: different building block shapes, shaker boards, marbles, plastic container lids, toy blocks or building set

1. Construct a shaker table according to your teacher’s directions.
    
   
2. Each person in your group will shake the table a different way. Write the last name of the person who shakes the board in front of each intensity. Practice each shake 5 times before you do the experiment.
   
   ___________________________     A. slow-long board (low intensity)
   
   ___________________________     B. quick-long board (high intensity)
   
   ___________________________     C. slow-side board (low intensity)
   
   ___________________________     D. quick-side board (high intensity)
    
     
3. Using the blocks or toys, build for differently shaped buildings on the table, one at a time. By shaking the table, determine how each shape resists each of the shaking motions. Use the following code:
      
    
        R = resistant (falls down after 10 seconds or more)
        S = semi resistant (falls down after 3-10 seconds)
        N = not resistant (falls down quickly)
   
   
   

DRAW SHAPE	A	B	C	D

EXERCISE II. 

Arrange 3 styrofoam cups on the table in an arrangement that will withstand Shaking Intensity A. Draw your arrangement below. The cups may be placed up or down.

CONCLUSION: Which shapes and structures are most resistant to different intensities of earthquakes?