Computer Science
Engineering Earthquake-Resistant Buildings: Early Warning Systems
Middle School
In Classrooms
Students write algorithms to send accelerometer (shaking) data from one micro:bit to another.
Module Overview
Students program micro:bits to send accelerometer data from one micro:bit to another, simulating part of earthquake early warning systems where seismic sensors send information about ground shaking to a central processing center.
- Teach this module after Engineering Earthquake Resistant Buildings
- 2 lessons
- 45 minutes per lesson
- Student materials available in Spanish
- Computational tools used: BBC micro:bits, Microsoft MakeCode (free web-based application)
Standards Alignment
YES units align with state and national science standards, integrating seamlessly with popular elementary science curricula.
Module Resources
Digital Resources (FREE)
YES provides these materials free of charge! Use the link below to download resources from our Google Drive.
Download ResourcesModule Map
Students are introduced to a micro:bit and learn how an algorithm can measure shaking.
After learning that micro:bits can communicate with each other, students write an algorithm to send accelerometer data from one micro:bit to another.
Videos for Students
Lesson 1: Build a Data Logging Algorithm
Lesson 2: Build a Sender Algorithm
Lesson 2: Build a Receiver Algorithm
Our funders
Major support for this project has been provided by MathWorks.