Project Overview
Students become disaster preparedness engineers, designing and building hurricane-resistant structures while investigating the science behind these powerful storms. This project integrates meteorology, materials science, and engineering design to address real Caribbean challenges.
Week-by-Week Implementation
Week 1: Hurricane Science Investigation
- • Research Caribbean hurricane patterns and historical impacts
- • Study atmospheric conditions that create hurricanes
- • Analyze satellite imagery and weather data
- • Create hurricane formation diagrams
- • Interview local emergency management officials (virtual or in-person)
Week 2: Materials Testing Laboratory
- • Test various building materials for strength and flexibility
- • Investigate water resistance properties
- • Measure wind resistance using fans and force meters
- • Document material properties in engineering notebooks
- • Select optimal materials for hurricane conditions
Week 3: Design and Build Phase
- • Apply engineering design process to create hurricane-resistant structures
- • Build scale models of houses, schools, or community centers
- • Incorporate features like storm shutters, reinforced roofs, elevated foundations
- • Test prototypes and iterate designs based on results
- • Document design decisions and improvements
Week 4: Testing and Community Presentation
- • Simulate hurricane conditions using fans, water, and debris
- • Measure structural performance under extreme conditions
- • Analyze energy transfer and structural failure points
- • Prepare presentations for community panel
- • Present solutions and recommendations to local officials
