Earthquake-Proof Structure Challenge

đź“… February 13, 2026

Grade Level: 3-6
Time: 60 minutes
Group Size: 2-3 students per team

Materials Needed (per team):

The Challenge:

Build the tallest possible structure that can survive an earthquake simulation. Your structure must:

Learning Objectives:

Setup (10 minutes):

Prepare Shake Tables:

Option A: Jello Base (More Realistic)

  1. Make jello following package directions (do this before class)
  2. Pour into aluminum pans and refrigerate until firm
  3. This creates a wobbly foundation that mimics ground movement during earthquakes

Option B: Marble Base (Easier Prep)

  1. Fill aluminum pans with 1-2 inches of marbles or dried beans
  2. Structures sit on top of moving marbles
  3. Simulates unstable ground

Demonstration:

Show videos of:

Key Point: “Real buildings in earthquake zones are designed to SWAY, not stay rigid. Rigid buildings crack and fall. Flexible buildings survive.”

Building Phase (30 minutes):

Planning (5 minutes):

Have teams discuss:

Engineering Insight: “Marshmallows and toothpicks create FLEXIBLE joints—perfect for earthquake resistance. If you make it too rigid, it will topple. If you make it too wobbly, it will collapse. Find the balance.”

Building Strategies:

Option 1: Pyramid Design (Stable, Shorter)

  1. Create a wide square base (4x4 marshmallows)
  2. Build up in layers, each layer smaller than the one below
  3. Forms a pyramid shape
  4. Very stable, but limited height

Pros: Unlikely to fall
Cons: Won’t score maximum points for height

Option 2: Tower Design (Taller, Riskier)

  1. Create a small base (2x2 or 3x3 marshmallows)
  2. Build straight up as high as possible
  3. Add diagonal cross-bracing for stability

Pros: Maximum height if it survives
Cons: More likely to topple during shaking

Option 3: Wide Base Tower (Best of Both)

  1. Build a wide stable base (4x4 or 5x5)
  2. Tower up from center
  3. Add triangular supports connecting tower to base

Pros: Good balance of height and stability
Cons: Uses more materials

Building Tips:

Triangles for Strength:

Wide Base = Stable:

Test Before Earthquake:

Marshmallow Placement:

Earthquake Simulation (15 minutes):

Testing Protocol:

Setup:

  1. Measure structure height from base of pan to highest point
  2. Record height on scoring sheet
  3. Place structure in center of jello/marble pan

Earthquake Simulation:

  1. Teacher holds pan with both hands
  2. Shake horizontally back and forth (like shaking a gift box)
  3. Start gently for 3 seconds, increase intensity for 7 seconds
  4. Total shake time: 10 seconds

Survival Criteria:

Scoring System:

Height Points:

Survival Bonus:

Optional Categories:

Discussion Questions:

Before Testing:

After Testing:

Real-World Connections:

Differentiation:

For Younger Students (Grade 3):

For Older Students (Grades 5-6):

Extension Challenges:

Add Mass Test: Place a small weight (marble or penny) on top of structure before shaking. Can it survive with extra weight?

Aftershock Test: Structures that survive first earthquake face a second, stronger shake.

Limited Materials: Use only 20 marshmallows and 30 toothpicks. Forces strategic material use.

Specific Design Requirement: Must include a “building” (enclosed space with roof) on top of structure.

Science Behind Earthquakes & Engineering:

What Causes Earthquakes:

Engineering Solutions:

Base Isolation:

Flexible Design:

Counterweight Systems:

Strong Foundation:

Real-World Earthquake Engineering:

Show photos/videos of:

Transamerica Pyramid (San Francisco):

Taipei 101 (Taiwan):

Tokyo Buildings (Japan):

Common Problems & Solutions:

Problem Why It Happens Solution
Structure immediately falls when placed Base too small or top-heavy Wider base, shorter height, or move weight lower
Structure leans before shaking Not built straight up Check for vertical alignment while building
Top breaks off during shaking Weak connection between base and tower Reinforce with triangular bracing
Whole structure slides across pan No connection to base Push toothpicks into jello/marbles slightly
Marshmallows split Toothpicks inserted too roughly Insert gently, or use slightly stale marshmallows (firmer)

Math & Data Integration:

Measurement:

Data Collection: Create a class chart:

Graphing:

Connection to Other Subjects:

Geography:

History:

Current Events:

Materials Note:

Cost:

Alternatives:

Reuse:

Why This Challenge Resonates:

Real-World Relevance: Every student has heard of earthquakes. This makes abstract engineering concepts tangible.

Built-In Tension: The height vs. stability trade-off creates genuine engineering dilemmas. Go tall and risky? Or safe and short?

Immediate Feedback: The shake test provides instant, dramatic results. Either it stands or it doesn’t—no ambiguity.

Teaches Failure Management: Most structures will fall. That’s okay! The question is: what did you learn? How will you build it differently next time?

Connects to Current Events: When earthquakes are in the news, students remember this challenge and understand why some buildings survive while others don’t.

When students see news coverage of an earthquake, they’ll look at the buildings that stayed standing and think: “I bet those have wide bases and flexible frames—just like my marshmallow tower.”

That’s when you know the learning stuck.