Simulate the movements caused by different earthquakes through the construction and testing of a shake table. The flexible and wiggly structure of the cube allows students to simulate the shifting cardboard tectonic plates. Connected to the sheets are levers with moving joints being pushed and pulled by the servo motor attached to the bottom cardboard piece controlled by the micro:bit.

Please note this resource was tailored for US schools and may require adjustments to suit UK schools.

🇬🇧 Teacher Notes

Overview and Objectives

Materials

Preparation

Assemble the micro:bit, clip, and servo motor

Make a prism shape to hold the Robotics board

Clip the Robotics board and servo motor on prism shape.

Connect to computer using USB cable

Start a new project on Makecode

Add Strawbees extension

Pair the micro:bit

Zero the servo motor

Program the servo to shift back and forth

Set smaller positions and make the servo move faster

Use buttons to trigger an earthquake

Build a cube for the middle of the shake table

Cut cardboard sheets from a box

Mark holes for attaching the cube to the square cardboard sheet

Make green top of the table

Mark on green cardboard top to make holes

Add connectors to the cube bottom

Attach the cube to square cardboard

Measure and poke holes for holding servo motor

Create the stands for the servo motor

Connect the servo to the shake table bottom

Attach connectors to the top of the cube

Make a moving joint

Make a friction lock

Create the mechanical linkage

Connect arm on linkage to servo

Make pink cross beams

Attach pink cross beams on into corners of the cube then linkage in middle

Place green cardboard on the top of the cube

Make joint for roof top

Make the roof

Build 2 cubes for a tower

Assemble tower from cubes and roof

Place the tower on top of the cardboard top to test the earthquake

Seeing the Simulation

Program 4 different speeds

Add 4 different amplitudes

Testing the different amplitudes and speeds

Build

Challenges

STEAM Classroom Robotics - micro:bit

United States

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.

NGSS

3-5-ETS1-1

Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

3-5-ETS1-2

Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.

3-5-ETS1-3

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

MS-ETS1-1

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

MS-ETS1-2

Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.

Make a Shake Table (micro:bit)

Overview and Objectives