Tuscola Illinois Cub Scout Pack

On Monday night, January 24 th , three graduate research assistants from the MAE Center gave an earthquake safety talk and shake table demonstration to a Cub Scout pack in Tuscola, IL.  John Barry, Nick Burdette, and Joe Shields discussed earthquakes with the scouts and answered questions on earthquake safety.  The scouts then divided into their Den groups and each group built a Knex structure to be placed on the shaking table.  MAE Center graduate students consulted with the scouts to help them with their designs. 

After constructing their unique buildings, including a cable-stayed tower and an antenna-covered house, the scouts gathered around the shaking table for the earthquake tests.  The boys applauded and laughed as each building was subjected to earthquake records, including the 1994 Northridge earthquake in CA.  The highlight of the evening was when the tallest building finally fell after a special custom made earthquake caused it to twist wildly and finally fail.  The Cub Scouts were thrilled with the demonstration and learned a great deal about buildings in earthquakes.  Michael Timlin, Scout coordinator for the event, stated “ The earthquake program last night was just what we hoped for and the grad students did a great job of leading the meeting.  The scouts really enjoyed it and learned a lot.  This was the best safety meeting we've had.  Of course everyone's favorite part was when the buildings failed.  Thanks so much.”