When an earthquake occurs, many buildings are not structurally sound and get destroyed.

Students will be design engineers, having to design and build a structure and then test the strength of their tower that can best withstand a simulated earthquake force. Many countries have high poverty rates and high mortality rates. They also lack human needs, like no or limited access to water, shelter and food. They build structures as cheaply as possible, so when an earthquake hits, the structure falls.

Students will design and build a 2 foot structure with three stories using 8 craft sticks, 8 straws, 6 5×7 inch pieces of oaktag, 12 index cards and 48 inches of masking tape that can withstand a simulated earthquake for 20 seconds. Students will have 2 days to build the structure.