Year 8 Shake Up Learning To Build  Earthquake-Resistant Structures 

This term in Geography, Year 8 students have taken on a dynamic new challenge: designing and constructing buildings that can stand up to powerful earthquakes. 

Using simple, everyday materials such as paper straws, string, cardboard, and wooden skewers, pupils have been testing their engineering skills in a hands-on and memorable way.

The project encouraged students to think like real structural engineers. Their models showcased a wide range of creative safety features, including pyramid-shaped buildings, shock-absorbing foundations and hanging pendulum ball. Many groups also experimented with different frame shapes, discovering how diagonal supports and interlocking joints can disperse the energy produced during ground shaking.

One particularly impressive aspect of the students’ designs was their use of paper straw, string and cardboard to create a window shutter. Any movement will force the shutters to close preventing 'glass' from shattering onto the possible civilians. The pupils demonstrated a strong understanding of how buildings can create opportunities to reduce impacts to people - an essential concept in earthquake-resistant architecture.

Geography teacher Mr Momoniat said, “This project gives students the opportunity to apply scientific principles in a practical and enjoyable way. It’s fantastic to see them working collaboratively, testing ideas and adapting their designs. They’ve shown real perseverance and creativity while exploring how communities around the world stay safe during earthquakes.”

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