Earthquake Tower Challenge

Introduction
Students learn about how engineers design and build shake tables to test the ability of buildings to
withstand the various types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. Just like engineers, students
design and build a building to test on a shake table. Once students are satisfied with the performance of
their buildings, they put them through a one-minute simulated earthquake challenge.
Engineering Connection
In certain areas of the world, earthquakes are a serious concern. Civil and structural engineers who focus
on designing buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure for earthquake-prone areas must
understand seismic waves and how to construct structures that are able to withstand the forces from the
powerful ground motions of the Earth. For testing purposes, engineers design shake tables to simulate (or
re-enact) the seismic waves produced by earthquakes and verify the stability and survivability of their
structures.
OBJECTIVE:
1. Students design and construct a building using specified criteria and materials to test its ability to
withstand simulated earthquake forces on a shake table.
TOWER ARCHITECT CHALLENGE MECHANICS:
1. The challenge is open only to the four teams that registered through the provided GForm on
social media.
2. Each participating team consists of eight members. Each team must designate members for
specific roles, including an architect, head builder, and accountant, for constructing their tower
structure.
3. Teams must claim their building materials on a specified date. They are only allowed to use the
materials they have claimed for constructing their tower structure.
4. Each team will have one day to construct their tower structure. The built tower structures must be
brought to the challenge event on a designated day.
5. Each team will be allocated three minutes to present their tower structure and share their
experiences regarding the construction process.
6. There will be only one winner for the challenge, which will likely be determined based on
specific criteria or judging by a panel of experts.
7. Teams that violate any of the challenge mechanics will be automatically disqualified from the
competition.
TOWER ARCHITECT BLUEPRINT MECHANICS:
1. Each team must create a detailed blueprint drawing of their building. The blueprint should
include both 2D and 3D views and complete dimensions scaled in centimeters.
2. The building must fit on a base with a minimum size of 18 cm x 14.5 cm.
3. The building must be at least 27 cm tall and have two stories, with each story being at least 5 cm
tall.
4. Each story must support the weight of at least one weight without collapsing.
5. The building should not collapse during the simulated earthquake, and weights placed on it
should remain in place.
 6. A full-color logo or the name of the company (team) must be attached to the tower.
CONSTRUCTION OF TOWER MECHANICS:
Materials:
1. 10 Packs of toothpick
2. 3 stickglues
3. 18 cm x 14.5 cm of cardboard
(You may not use all of the provided materials, but you must strictly avoid using any additional or
different materials other than those provided to your team. Any team found in violation of these rules will
face automatic disqualification)
TEAM ROLES: Each team should assign specific roles to team members:
1. Architect: Responsible for designing and drawing the building on graph paper. Ensures that
construction follows the blueprint plans and creates a team logo.
2. Head Builder: Has the final say on construction methods and works closely with the Architect to
ensure the blueprint plans are followed.
3. Accountant: Keeps track of team funds, maintains a balance sheet, and manages the budget.
Rubric for Evaluation:
The team's performance will be evaluated based on a rubric with specific criteria:

 20 points: Detailed, colored construction sketch with dimensions and costs.

 20 points: Building meets size and structural requirements, including the base size, height, stories,
and a logo or company name.
 15 points: Group collaboration, respect, and staying on task.
 10 points: Building supports one weight on the first story.
 10 points: Building supports one weight on the second story.
 1 point: Building remains standing with one weight on the second story after a mild earthquake.
 1 point: Building remains standing with one weight on the second story after a major earthquake.
 1 point: Building remains standing with one weight on the second story and one weight on the
first story after a major earthquake.
 1 point: Building remains standing with two weights on the top second story and one weight on
the first story after a major earthquake.
 1 point: Building remains standing with two weights on the top second story and two weights on
the first story after a major earthquake.
Total Points: The total score is out of 80 points, and there's an opportunity for a bonus 10 points for
the least expensive building that can hold the most weight and remain standing after a major
earthquake.

Team Scores
Points The group's performance will be evaluated based on a rubric with specific criteria:
1 2 3 4
20 Detailed, colored construction sketch with dimensions and costs.
20 Building meets size and structural requirements, including the base size, height, stories, and a
logo or company name.
15 Group collaboration, respect, and staying on task.
10 Building supports one weight on the first story.
10 Building supports one weight on the second story.
1 Building remains standing with one weight on the second story after a mild earthquake.
1 Building remains standing with 1 weight on the second story after a major earthquake.
1 Building remains standing with one weight on the second story and one weight on the first story
after a major earthquake.
1 Building remains standing with two weights on the top second story and one weight on the first
story after a major earthquake.
1 Building remains standing with two weights on the top second story and two weights on the first
story after a major earthquake.
80 Total points
CALC race

1. All attendees of the event are given the chance to participate

2. No cellphones are allowed in the competition
3. First to solve the given problem wins.
4. You can submit your answers as long as there is no correct answer given yet.
5. Have fun.