Re: natural disasters,weather phenomena

[Nils Sorensen <nsorens@fas.harvard.edu>]

> I am a senior math and physics education major at Fort Hays University
> in Hays, KS.  I am currently doing my phsyical science practicum.  In
> doing this practicum, I am working with a physical science lab at the
> university.  The physical science class deals with general science
> topics.  We have four enterprises covering aeronautics and space
> transportation Technology, Human Exploration and Development of Space,
> Space Science, and Earth Science.
> 	Right now, I am developing a lab dealing with natural disasters,
> weather phenomena, catastrophic occurrences, what ever you want to call
> it.  In a previous lab, we are investigating Earthquakes, and I am
> trying to find hands-on lab activities concerning this topic in general
> for the classes to do (it will be used in all of the lab sections).
> Thank you for whatever help you may give me.
> 		Heidi Diercks
> 		a845@scatcat.fhsu.edu

Heidi,

	Buildings in high risk zones must be designed to take a beating
when an earthquake hits. A couple factors to consider are how large are m=
y
earthquakes, and how tall is my building (how far up is the center of mas=
s
located). We can duplicate an earthquake simply by shaking a table or pie=
ce
of wood so the driving is not a big problem. A building can be recreated =
by
simply putting a mass (a solid sphere) onto a thin metal pole (of
negligible mass  and =89 1/16").
This pole is then inserted into a hole into a pice of wood. We now have a
simulated center of mass for a building of some height. If we shake the
board lightly the mass should react differently then if the board is shak=
en
harder. Now try making a few "buildings" of different heights and see how
they compare in different earthquake situations. This is just an idea and=
 I
would like to hear if you think it has any validity.

						Enjoy,

						Nils

P.S. Great choice of major!!