In the Earthquake Shake Test Tower STEM Challenge, students become civil and structural engineers as they design and build a tower that can withstand simulated earthquake forces without collapsing. Using simple classroom materials, students explore vibrations, structural stability, balance, and energy transfer while engaging in authentic problem-solving through the Engineering Design Process.

This exciting, low-prep STEM challenge is ideal for STEM labs, science classrooms, engineering units, makerspaces, enrichment, and substitute plans, and is adaptable for grades K–8.

What Students Will Do

• Investigate how earthquakes transfer energy through the ground
• Design and build a shake-resistant tower
• Test towers on a shake table or simulated vibration surface
• Measure structural movement, damage, and survival time
• Redesign to improve stability and flexibility
• Collaborate using the Engineering Design Process
  

What’s Included

• NEW! Includes step-by-step student build guides to help teachers and students stay on track during the project.
• Student & Teacher Slides – Challenge overview, constraints, EDP steps, testing, and reflection
• Student Planning & Data Collection Sheet
• Engineering Design Process Template
• Student-Friendly Self-Assessment Rubric
• 10-Point Scoring Rubric
• Standards-Based Rubric aligned to science & engineering practices
• Teacher Guide with setup instructions, testing procedures, and classroom tips
• Optional Entrepreneurship Extension (material budgeting & earthquake-safe design pitch)

Looking for additional teacher support?

A short Teacher Facilitation & Flow Guide is available to help manage classroom pacing, testing days, and hands-on chaos during this challenge.

Skills & Concepts Covered

• Vibration & energy transfer
• Structural stability & flexibility
• Forces & motion
• Civil & earthquake engineering
• Testing, data collection & iterative redesign
• Collaboration & critical thinking
  

Why Teachers Love This Challenge

✔ Uses simple classroom materials
✔ Low prep, high engagement
✔ Real-world connections to earthquake-resistant buildings & infrastructure
✔ Built-in differentiation across grade levels
✔ Works as a one-day challenge or multi-day PBL

Perfect For

• STEM Labs
• Science Classrooms
• Engineering Units
• Makerspaces
• After-School STEM Programs
• Substitute Plans
• Enrichment Activities
• Natural Disasters & Earth Science Units
  

Looking for student worksheets to go with this challenge? PDF and editable worksheet options are available in my store.