Sixth graders in Mrs. Cathy Wilkes’s class at LHS have been learning about earthquakes. Students demonstrated P-waves and S-waves using springs (Slinkys). Students simulated the amplitude of earthquake waves as they moved the spring from side to side and pushed the springs. Students conducted timed trials and got the average of each. They repeated this investigation to test whether changing the amplitude (the size of the initial jerk on the spring) affects the speed of the wave.
After researching the best designs of of earthquake-resistant buildings, students worked in groups to design and build a house that could withstand the shaking of an “earthquake”. The students used mini-marshmallows and toothpicks to build their houses. Each group had a different foundation. Both of these activities are AMSTI activities. Students also have enjoyed checking the Drudge Earthquake Report daily to find out where earthquakes have occurred around the world, especially in the United States.
