Hurricane Preparedness Engineering Challenge
Design hurricane-resistant structures while studying weather patterns and materials
Earth Systems
Engineering Design
Structure & Properties of Matter
Advanced Level
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.
3-4 weeks
3-4 students
Advanced
Learning Objectives
- Analyze hurricane formation and Earth system interactions including atmospheric pressure, temperature, and ocean currents
- Test material properties for wind and water resistance using scientific methods
- Design and iterate structural solutions using engineering design process
- Understand energy transfer in weather systems and structural engineering
- Communicate engineering solutions to community stakeholders
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
Assessment Strategies
Design Portfolio (40%)
Engineering notebooks documenting research, material testing, design iterations, and reflections
Prototype Testing (30%)
Quantitative results from hurricane simulation tests and analysis of structural performance
Community Presentation (20%)
Clear communication of solutions to community panel including emergency managers
Collaboration and Process (10%)
Teamwork, problem-solving approach, and use of engineering design process
Required Materials
Building Materials
- • Cardboard sheets and boxes
- • Wooden craft sticks
- • Plastic straws and connectors
- • Duct tape and masking tape
- • String and rubber bands
- • Aluminum foil
Testing Equipment
- • Large fan for wind simulation
- • Spray bottles for rain simulation
- • Small weights for debris testing
- • Measuring tools (rulers, scales)
- • Stopwatch
Research Tools
- • Access to weather websites
- • Hurricane tracking maps
- • Engineering notebooks
- • Cameras for documentation
Extension Opportunities
- Partner with local emergency management to present findings
- Create community preparedness guide based on research
- Design early warning systems for schools
- Connect with meteorologists for expert interviews
Safety Considerations
- • Supervise all cutting and building activities
- • Ensure proper ventilation when using fans
- • Use safety goggles during testing phases
- • Keep electrical equipment away from water
- • Establish clear workspace boundaries