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Description

Set up a mini landslide using this STEM activity to learn more about hazards.

Resources

Paper or cardstock to create a model house each
Tape
Scissors
Markers, etc. to decorate houses
Cups
Plastic downspout or pipe, or you could make it from materials available
Sand
Gravel
Another material like small rocks
Large, shallow waterproof tub like a large Sistema
Cup to scoop material
Duct tape
Ruler or tape measure
Stack of books, stool or chair to support downspout

Instructions

1. Set up the mini-landslide model activity in advance by first cutting the downspout in half so that you have two equal sections. Tip: Cut through the narrow sides of the downspout to create the widest chutes possible.
2. Duct tape one downspout chute section to the bottom of the plastic tub, approximately in the middle of the tub, to create a shallow angle without the downspout interfering with the tub wall.
3. Support the top end of the downspout by taping it to a stack of books, stool, or chair.
5. Create your model houses and tape into position inside the plastic tub.
6. Make a prediction about which houses will be damaged by the landslide, based on where they are.
7. Trial 1: Make sure the chute is at the shallowest angle allowed by the bin. Using a small paper cup, place a one cup of sand at the top of the chute. The material should not slide down the chute at this shallow angle.
8. Next, increase the angle of the slope until the material is on the verge of sliding. Then, simulate an earthquake, a common trigger for landslides, by shaking the chute. The material is not expected to go very far on this trial. It may not even make it out of the chute.
9. Secure the chute at this angle by placing books (or a stool or chair, as necessary) under it and taping it in place. Prepare for the next trial.
10. Trial 2: This time, place the material in the chute and have a student bring you a paper cup one-quarter full of water. Pour the water into the chute above the material and observe what happens. Have students record their observations on their worksheets.
11. Trial 3: The third trial is like the second, except with more water. Use a paper cup half full of water. Pour the water into the chute above the material and observe what happens. Have students record their observations on their worksheets.

Conclude with a Unit discussion comparing results.
How good were your predictions?
What did you observe?
How did the steepness of the chute make a difference in the damage caused by the landslides?
How did the addition of water make a difference in the severity of the landslide damage?
Which material caused the worst landslides?
Which landslide scenario caused the most damage?
What if we combined the materials?
How would you change the design or construction of your model house to make it survive the landslide better?

Tags

• hazards
• landslide
• prepared and ready

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