Day 2: Shaking Things Up!

Today was quite an exciting day for our campers...

All 48 students were split up into two groups. While one group simulated real-life earthquakes through Northeastern University’s very own "Shake Table," the other designed bridges using West Point Bridge Design computer software.

At the Snell Engineering Center, students learned exactly how earthquakes can have a destructive impact on buildings whose structures were poorly designed. They watched as a one-story and two-story building both behaved differently to the same magnitude earthquake. It was then their turn to design a building that they believed could withstand the trembling Shake Table, or "earthquake." One prize was given for the most appealing design and another for the sturdiest. The students were extremely creative and clever in their ideas. One building withstood what would measure an 8 on the Richter scale! What smart kids you have! They were even given the unique opportunity of experiencing a real-life earthquake by taking turns balancing on the Shake Table.

While buildings were shaking up downstairs, students were attempting to straighten out pillars to create a durable bridge upstairs. They also were given a challenge (clearly a common theme throughout all engineering lessons): to create the least expensive, but still functional and stable bridge. Keeping in mind the cost-effective component, they got right to work. Competition set in and figures were thrown out left and right, the prices getting lower and lower. It was great seeing how each child realized just what had to be adjusted to create a successful design. Whether beams were thickened or patterns redesigned, the students produced record-low figures that surely impressed the engineering professors.

Look forward to some out of this world, rocket action tomorrow : )

~Ivana