Earthquake Science Fair Projects
Earthquake Science Fair Projects: Bridges and Earthquakes
This earthquake science fair projects experiment examines the relationship between bridge structure and stability during earthquakes.Background:
Research information on bridge structure, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Answer the following questions: What are earthquakes? How do they form? What are the most common bridge structures? What are the strongest bridge structures? Which bridge structures might withstand an earthquake best?
Hypothesis:
From your research, formulate your hypothesis on the relationship between bridge structure and stability during earthquakes. Which bridge structure will withstand an earthquake the longest (arch, beam, truss, cantilever, suspension, cable-stayed, bascule)?
Materials: (Adult supervision of kids is always recommended.)
- Suggested bridge kit - Kit includes materials for 13 bridge types.
Scientifics Online: K'NEX Intro to Structures: Bridges
- Two 12'' by 12'' boards
- Four 1'' rubber balls
- Two large rubber bands
- Ruler
- Stopwatch
1. Gather the materials needed for your earthquake science fair projects experiment.
2. Assemble a shake table as follows (shake table directions from Resource Area For Teaching [RAFT], 2005):
- Place one of the boards on top of the other.
- Stretch one rubber band around both boards about 1'' from the end. Do the same with another rubber band at the opposite end of the boards.
- Using the 4 rubber balls, place 1 ball between the boards near each of the four corners.
4. While keeping the bottom board stable, twist one corner of the top board away from the bottom board. Measure the distance from the corner of the top board to the corner of the bottom board. Record this as Displacement 1 in your data table.
5. Release the board to create an earthquake. Observe and record your observations of the bridge.
6. If the bridge does not fall down, continue to increase and measure the displacement until the bridge falls down. Record the final table displacement in your data table.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for the 6 other bridge types.
| Displacement 1 | Displacement 2 | Displacement 3 | Displacement 4 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arch | |||||
| Beam | |||||
| Truss | |||||
| Cantilever | |||||
| Suspension | |||||
| Cable-Stayed | |||||
| Bascule | |||||
Results:
Record your data and compare your results. Which bridge structure remained intact the longest? Which bridge structure remained intact for the shortest amount of time? Why do you think so? How does bridge structure affect bridge stability during earthquakes? Explain.
Conclusion:
Summarize what happened in your earthquake science fair projects experiment based on your results. Explain the results of your experiment. Was your hypothesis supported? If not, explain why. Evaluate your experiment and suggest improvements.
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