Earthquakes are amongst nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena. There have been many instances in recent years which have been reported in news bulletins showing the devastation that they can cause.  In this workshop we shall study the structure of the earth and how earthquakes are generated. We shall investigate possible precautions that can be taken to help prevent serious damage in earthquake regions. Armed with this knowledge, students, in groups of two or three, will design and construct their own ‘earthquake-proof’ building. The structure will then be tested on our ‘earthquake machine’.

PRIMARY: safety of buildings, how do earthquakes affect structures?

SECONDARY: plus force in structural elements.

SIXTH FORM: plus elasticity; stress/strain, buckling.