Practice being an engineer by building a sturdy structure that can withstand an earthquake! This can be done anywhere using household recycled materials.
Activity best for children ages 2 and up.
Materials
- Recycled materials for building
- Popsicle sticks
- Tooth picks
- Cardboard
- Materials for connecting
Directions - Toddlers
Step 1
Find recycled materials you think would make a good building.
Step 2
Create your building! Make sure to build on top of a tray or table that you can shake.
Step 3
Test your building's strength by seeing what happens when an earthquake hits. Shake your tray to stimulate an earthquake.
Directions - Preschoolers and Up
Step 1
Talk about what an engineer does. Engineers are problem solvers! One of their jobs is to make sure buildings are strong enough to be protected if an earthquake hits.
Step 2
Gather materials you think would make a good building (suggestions: popsicle sticks, tooth picks, play dough).
Step 3
Create your building! Make sure to build on top of a tray or table that you can shake.
Step 4
Test your building's strength by seeing what happens when an earthquake hits. Shake your tray or table to stimulate an earthquake.
Bonus 1
Try creating your building using only two materials!
Bonus 2
If your building withstands the first earthquake, try to make it taller!
Be sure to share your designs with us on Instagram by tagging @sdcdm320.
Do you have questions about this activity? Email Education@sdcdm.org