Model Building For Natural Disasters Unit

Model Building For Disaster is a 4-6 week unit in which students research natural disasters around the world and their effect on developing countries. Following their research, student teams design and construct a building model within a set budget and material constraints that would withstand a natural disaster. Following which, students test their designs in an earthquake, hurricane, tsunami, and mudslide simulation. Students collect data and evaluate their designs. Lastly, students reflect on the accuracy of the simulation and the real life application of natural disaster preparedness especially for developing countries.

Materials: cardboard, string, hot glue, masking tape, Popsicle sticks etc for building models. 3 box fans, large cooler, shaker table, tote or baby pool, dirt, water for simulations.