I believe that models are a great way for students to learn and understand a concept. I chose to work with my students on earthquakes and the effect it can have on the environment. I had my students complete an activity where they built a skyscraper and then simulated an earthquake. They had to draw a picture of what their skyscraper looked like and what effect the earthquake had on their building. the next step was to reconstruct the building and reinforce it to with stand an earthquake. Then they followed the same steps as the first building. We also made a seismograph printout. The students simulated a small earthquake and tehn a major earth quake. we discussed the differences in the readings and the possible effects each earthquake would have in our area.
