Build an Earthquake City

Build an Earthquake City
Publication Date: January, 2013
Type of Resource: Lesson Plan

This online resource investigates the potential damage done by earthquakes.

The resource gives instructions on how to build miniature models of cities out of common kitchen ingredients to test various structures against simulated earthquakes.

The cities are built using sugar, bouillon and gelatin cubes. They are then put through simulated earthquakes to see which cube structures withstand the shaking movements the best.

Engineering Connection

In many areas of the world, earthquakes cause buildings to fall and many lives to be lost. Civil engineers design structures to be able to withstand the force of earthquakes.

To do this, they must understand how the movement of the Earth affects structures and what types of materials are best to use in earthquake zone construction.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S8U03 (Year 8)

Australian Curriculum:
  • Year 6 > Science Understanding > Earth and Space Sciences > Sudden geological changes and extreme weather events can affect Earth’s surface > ACSSU096