6th Grade Students will design a tower and test on a shake table. Build a tower with toothpicks that can be tested for structural strength on an earthquake shake table simulator.

• ALLOWABLE MATERIALS

Round or flat wooden toothpicks

Elmer's white glue or equivalent

RESEARCH AND APPROVAL DRAWINGS

Each student will research tower designs from literature or actual structures. Each student will then create a tower design and submit a drawing for approval. Approved drawings will be returned and used to construct the bridge.

• DESIGN / DRAWING CHANGES

As you begin to construct your tower, you will undoubtedly want to make improvements (changes) to your design. Design changes are allowed. However, you must revise your drawings showing the changes you intend to make and submit them for approval prior to proceeding with construction. Once change approval has been secured, construction can continue (be aware that I may make minor adjustments to your requested changes).

• SPECIFICATIONS

Any design can be used as long as the supports are no larger than 3 toothpicks in diameter. The tower must be free standing 18” tall and have load plate firmly installed at the instructor approved location. Only the materials listed may be used to build the tower. Excessive amounts of glue may not be used as part of the structure, i.e. the tower or tower joints may not be completely covered with glue.

• LOAD TESTING PROCEDURE

Each tower will be must mount to the specified earthquake tester attachment plate as well as the simulator itself. Points will be taken off of the tower being unable to properly mount to the tester.

[Technology] [Grade 6] [Quake Tower] [It's Greek to Me] [Grade 7] [Grade 8]