The use of physical models to demonstrate seismic wave propagation and seismic hazards: application to elementary school students
Abstract
Innovative methods of demonstrating scientific concepts are critical to engaging today's students and raising their awareness of science. Faculty members at Baylor University have designed and built a number of physical models that demonstrate a wide variety of processes in the geological sciences. These models are unique in that they are designed to be interactive, and require manipulation by students in order to work. Four of these models were chosen during Earth Science Week in 2009 and taken to a local elementary school, where 5th graders were given the opportunity to interact with them. Selected models demonstrated the propagation of P and S waves, and three seismic hazards: liquefaction, the influence of building height on resonance frequency, and the affect of a shear force on a building with floor and column construction. Student response was enthusiastic, leading to a continuation of this outreach as we try to engage future prospective scientists and work towards a scientifically literate community.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2011
- Bibcode:
- 2011AGUFMED13A0795B
- Keywords:
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- 0815 EDUCATION / Informal education;
- 0845 EDUCATION / Instructional tools