1. BUILD A HOUSE THAT
WILL
SURVIVE AN
Earthquake
In California
A 6th grade science

2. Relevant Science Standards
for 6th grade
1.E Students know major geologic events, such as
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain
building, result from plate motions.
1.F Students know how to explain major features of California
geology (including mountains, faults, and volcanoes) in terms
of plate tectonics.
1.G Students know how to determine the epicenter of an
earthquake and know that the effects of an earthquake on any
region vary, depending on the size of the earthquake, the
distance of the region from the epicenter, the local geology,
and the type of construction in the region.

3. INTRODUCTION
You and other experts have been asked to consult with a
millionaire that wants to build a mansion somewhere in
California. He has asked that it be especially safe from the
dangers of earthquake damage. In your group there are
people from the U. S. Geological Survey and some building
contractors. You will do research for and advise the client on
the safest places to build a mansion and advise its
construction to best withstand any possible earthquake
damage. To achieve this you will identify earthquake prone
areas and ways to make structures safer in earthquakes.

4. PROCESS & RESOURCES:
The first step is to find a location to build the mansion. You will research
websites that provide information about earthquake activity in different parts of
California. You will identify and suggest three different places that are
historically not as likely as other places, to experience a serious earthquake.
These locations will be suggested places to build the clients house. The
location should be a convenient distance from a city or town so that the client
can have access to things that they need. For each of the three locations,
name the nearest fault line and give the approximate distance from that
fault.

5. Utilize the following sites for information:
• Loads of California fault information
http://sanandreasfault.org/
• Earthquake potential map of California –
It shows where earthquakes are more likely to happen
http://www.classbrain.com/artstate/publish/ca_eart
hquake_map.shtml
Where is it safer to build in California?
http://www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/contents
.html

6. Next Job:
Research some building techniques that will help protect the structure
from shaking and help it withstand possible earthquake damage. Make a
list of five different earthquake modifications to a home that will make
it more likely to survive an earthquake. Explain what each does to help
prevent damage to the home. Find and provide at least three pictures
of equipment or types of modifications that can be used to make
structures withstand earthquakes. Identify four different potential
hazards in a typical home and how to fix them to be more secure.

7. The following sites have great information on building in
earthquake country:
“Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country” How to prepare
for an earthquake http://www.cnico.com/pdf/socal-quake.pdf
Techniques for reinforcing homes to withstand
earthquakes
http://www.reidsteel.com/information/earthquake_resistant
_building.htm
More on next page….

8. Building Techniques Continued….
Base-isolated construction techniques for single homes
http://www.hrd-s.com/pro_base.html
Earthquake resistant construction techniques
http://www.ehow.com/info_8680235_earthquake-resistant-
construction-techniques.html
How to make house earthquake proof
http://www.commonfloor.com/guide/make-your-home-
earthquake-proof-421.html

9. 10 points5 points 20 pointsCriteria
List 3 locations to build
a house in California that
have a very low danger
of experiencing an
earthquake.
3 fault locations are
named and the
approximate distance
from the building
location is given
Make a list of 5
different types of
earthquake
modifications to a
home.
Provide at least 3
pictures of equipment or
modifications that can be
used.
Identify four different
potential hazards in a
home that can be fixed
to make the home
more secure
Only one location is
given with the
nearest fault and
approximate distance
away.
Two locations for
building sites are
given and at least
the nearest fault
and approximate
distance to it are
given.
Three locations for
building sites are
given and the three
nearest fault lines
are given. The
approximate
distance to the
particular fault is
given.
Total
5 modifications are
listed, along with
what they do to help,
3 pictures of
equipment or
modifications are
provided.
3 – 4
modifications are
listed, along with
what they do to
help. At least 2
pictures of
equipment or
modifications are
provided.
Only 1-2
modifications are
listed, along with
what they do to help.
At least 1 picture of
equipment or
modifications is
provided.
Four different
potential hazards
in the home are
identified and how to
fix is explained.
Only 2-3 potential
hazards in the
home are identified
and how to fix is
explained.
Only 1 potential
hazard in the home is
identified and how to
fix it is explained.
Grading Rubric - Earthquakes

10. Conclusion
After completing this WebQuest you will be familiar with tectonic plate
boundaries, fault lines and earthquake zones in California. You will be
familiar with how earthquakes cause damage to buildings and homes,
and how the risk of damage from earthquakes may be diminished. You
and your classmates have learned how to make modifications to an
ordinary home to make it safer during an earthquake, and become
familiar with and understand how different building techniques can make
a building more likely to withstand the shaking of an earthquake.

11. Extra Activities
Now that you know how to make a
residential home more earthquake resistant,
how do you think that it can be done to a
skyscraper!
Next…

12. Video of a Tokyo skyscraper swaying during a quake
Next page……

13. Skyscrapers need much more equipment
and engineering to make them not fall or
collapse in an earthquake. Follow this link
to see how they do it!
How buildings are made in Japan to withstand quakes
http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=2285&catid
=26&subcatid=160
Thank you for taking part in this WebQuest, it is hoped that you
learned something and enjoyed the experience!