In science class, we teamed up to make earthquake-resistant buildings. The catch? We could only use spaghetti and blue tack! Our tower needed to be at least 60cm tall and have a base no larger than 30cm x 30cm. Up top, we had to add a platform that was at least 5cm x 5cm. The real challenge? Ms. Allen shook the table, and our building had to stay standing for a whole 10 seconds. We got to try twice, fixing what went wrong in the first try for our second prototype.

For this project, we had to build a strong building that could withstand an earthquake for 10 seconds. We looked into ways to make buildings safe during earthquakes and found a method called the ‘base isolation’ system. This involves using flexible pads between the building’s base and the ground. We planned and drew our building, aiming for a stable hexagon-shaped base. However, it didn’t work well; the structure tipped, and spaghetti parts kept falling and breaking when we added more levels.

We had to create a new design because the first one was too fragile. The new prototype was much better, and we both agreed on the improvements needed. To enhance the outcome, I would suggest doing more research early on to create a better prototype sooner. This would save time for testing and other project tasks.

At the project’s start, I led as both project and equipment manager, while Monique took charge as the Speaker and reporter. We made a great team. I brought creativity, energy, and a helpful attitude. Even when things went wrong, I stayed positive and kept the team’s spirits up. Monique excelled in speaking confidently, a skill I lacked, so her strength was a big help. She was also creative, which paired well with my ideas. Together, we created a project that was better than what we could do alone. Monique’s speaking and my energy made our project stand out, even in tough times.