The Big One is Coming-Planning for a California Earthquake STEM Integrated Project
Are you ready for the Big One?
To begin this project, students write an essay describing their own state of preparedness. Then, working in seismic engineering teams, they engage in hands on labs and computer simulations to learn about wave properties and how loads affect structures.
They study plate tectonics and interview survivors of the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
Communication skills are showcased in an earthquake themed narrative, and technology skills are put to use creating a story map and a public service announcement video.
The project culminates with student teams building a shake table and testing their prototype buildings for earthquake resistance.
This project is brought to you by Nancy Brown (CTE), Renee Brown (ELA), and Matt Gold (Social Science), with support from the CTE Online curriculum leadership team and detailed coordination provided by the Course Team Lead Joshua Bradley.
