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G2 | Lin'gang Campus: Exploring the Mysteries of Earthquake Science

December 22, 2023

On December 16th, a unique science lesson took place in Lin'gang Grade 2 classroom. Students learned about rapid changes in climate and natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes... In order to better visualize the formation mechanisms and effects of earthquakes, and to enhance students’ understanding of earthquake, children were transformed into little architects. They used coffee straws, clay and rocks to build earthquake shelters.

During the lesson, students had intense group discussions and brainstorming sessions. Some said, "I think triangles are the strongest, we should build a shape like a pyramid." Some said, "Famous buildings around the world have square bases, like the Eiffel Tower. We should have a square base." Some said, "We can make each shape and test it at the end to find which structure is the strongest." The children cooperated together and took one straw and stuck it in the clay on this side and put it on the shelf in front of them... In a short time, a shelter took shape. In the end which one can withstand the earthquake? The teacher led the students to shake the books underneath to simulate different seismic poles. "Oops," some of the group's straws fell down, while others were able to withstand the violent shaking.

Through this modeling, students discovered that triangular structures can withstand earthquakes, which also uses math. Not only was this lesson a successful earthquake lesson, it developed their hands-on skills and teamwork, but it also sparked their interest in scientific exploration. This is our science class!

(Written by Amanda Wang

Pictures by Amanda Wang, Kelly Liu

Edited by Cong Luo, Wu Shiyu (Intern), Bianca Noguera)