YES Middle School
Engineering Earthquake-Resistant Buildings
Middle School
Earth and Human Activity
In Classrooms
Students explore how earthquakes damage buildings and engineer a model building that can experience an earthquake without deforming.
Unit Overview
In this engineering unit, students use the Engineering Design Process to design earthquake-resistant buildings. Students explore relationships between building height, shaking frequency, and building damage. They learn about two methods to improve a building’s earthquake resistance: strengthening the joints and adding braces.
- 9 lessons
- 45–65 minutes per lesson
- Student materials available in Spanish
- Connects to computer science modules: Crowdsourced Disaster Data and Early Warning Systems
- View Technology Requirements (pdf)
| Curriculum Line | YES Middle School |
| Engineering Field | Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering |
| Science Domain | Earth & Space Science |
| Science Topic | Natural hazards |
| Suggested Grade Level | 6–8 |
Unit Resources
Purchase Materials
Activity Kit -
$299
- Instructions and hands-on materials to engage 20 groups of three to five people.
Additional Section Kit -
$189
- Supplements Materials Kit to serve up to 24 more students.