Science6-8
Earthquake-Proof Buildings STEM Worksheets for Grade 6
By John M.
A set of student worksheets for a 6th grade STEM project in which learners design and build earthquake-resistant structures from paper and glue. The packet introduces key terms like seismic waves, base isolation, and cross-bracing, and builds engineering design thinking, testing, and scientific reasoning about structural strength and flexibility.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use the key terms and background reading as a launch before students begin building, so they have vocabulary like cross-bracing ready when they plan their designs.
- Discussion question: Why would a building that is too stiff be more likely to snap, while one that is too loose might collapse? How does a triangle help a structure resist sideways forces?
- Scaffold for struggling readers by pre-teaching the three key terms with a quick visual example, and pair them with a partner during the reading section.
- Extension for advanced students: have them research base isolation in real buildings and compare it to their paper designs, then propose one improvement to their own model.
- Estimated time: about 45 minutes for the reading and planning portion, with additional class periods for building and shake-testing the models.
Science6-8
Earthquake-Proof Buildings STEM Worksheets for Grade 6
By John M.
A set of student worksheets for a 6th grade STEM project in which learners design and build earthquake-resistant structures from paper and glue. The packet introduces key terms like seismic waves, base isolation, and cross-bracing, and builds engineering design thinking, testing, and scientific reasoning about structural strength and flexibility.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use the key terms and background reading as a launch before students begin building, so they have vocabulary like cross-bracing ready when they plan their designs.
- Discussion question: Why would a building that is too stiff be more likely to snap, while one that is too loose might collapse? How does a triangle help a structure resist sideways forces?
- Scaffold for struggling readers by pre-teaching the three key terms with a quick visual example, and pair them with a partner during the reading section.
- Extension for advanced students: have them research base isolation in real buildings and compare it to their paper designs, then propose one improvement to their own model.
- Estimated time: about 45 minutes for the reading and planning portion, with additional class periods for building and shake-testing the models.