Science Evaluation Task #2: Due Monday, Feb 23

Evaluation Task #2:  External Forces on a Structure

Curriculum Expectations:

2.4 use technological problem-solving skills (see page 16) to design, build, and test a frame structure (e.g., a bridge, a tower) that will withstand the application of an external force (e.g., a strong wind or simulated vibrations from a train

3.2 identify external forces acting on a structure (e.g., the weight of people and furniture in a house, wind blowing on a tent, the movement caused by a passing train), and describe their effects on the structure

Assignment:

Yesterday you built a structure that was required to withstand wind, vibrations from the ground, and the weight of a load.

Answer the following question as to what you have learned from this activity:

If you were an engineer hired to construct a skyscraper  along the California Coast, where there are many earthquakes and high winds, how would you build it so that it would withstand these forces and support the weight of the many people and furniture inside?

Some areas you might want to comment on:

1. The formation of the structure (size and formation of the base, then upward).
2. Materials you would use
3. Formation of the frame.  What shapes would you use in the framing?  What shape would your skyscraper be?
4. How would you build it to support a load?  What kind or reinforcement would you need?
5. Draw a picture of your skyscraper

My Skyscraper Design

Name: ______________________

If I were an engineer hired to build a skyscraper along the California Coast I would…