Shelly Peterson

Through the project "Caring Construction," eighth-grade students will discover how earthquakes affect various structures and how certain reinforcement techniques can be used to build affordable and more earthquake-resistant homes for people around the world. Students at Dalles Middle School will examine global earthquake data, including case studies that reveal the damage earthquakes can inflict on different types of buildings. Students will design and construct models of various structures, testing their resistance using an earthquake shake table where frequency and amplitude can be adjusted. Based on the findings, students will then reinforce and retest their models to make them more earthquake resistant. As a final project, students will select an area from around the world with a high need for affordable and earthquake-resistant construction, design and build models, and introduce those models to various volunteer organizations that help people throughout the world build affordable schools and homes. Approximately 220 students will be able to combine the disciplines of physics, geology, architecture, and social studies to define problems and creatively propose solutions. Peterson lives in White Salmon, WA.