I plan to have the students will add two tablespoons of Epsom salt to the mixture during the building process to help the sediments cement together. Mark York, from Gallatin County Unit 7 School, creates large sediment bottles using 2-liter plastic soda bottles, water, and marble chips. After a few weeks of shaking, the students compare the rocks in the control bottle to the other one and share their observations. Over time the students notice that the marble chips become smaller with smoother edges. Once building is completed, she lightly shakes the cardboard base to simulate a small earthquake.
Students analyze their structure and detail any damage they observe.
At the end of class, the students compare their buildings and analyze features that should be included in earthquake proof buildings. This lab is used during a 6th grade unit on weather. During the lab students collect data on soil temperature, air temperature, length of daylight, and cloud cover. They are challenged to use their data to answer a few questions and create graphs showing their results. After recording several measurements, students have the chance to compare their results with classmates.