STEM challenge: Building earthquake proof structures

We have been learning that buildings in earthquake zones have to be 'earthquake-proof' in an attempt to withstand the impact of natural disasters and to reduce the devastating destruction that is caused to infrastructure, for example, skyscrapers in Japan. 

This challenge required us to work in groups to design and build solutions to structural problems using a combination of science, technology, engineering and maths skills.  This was a fair test and each group was given 40 cocktail sticks and 20 marshmallows and the aim was to build the tallest structure that could withstand shaking and remain intact for the longest period of time. I think it is fair to say that we have some of the finest engineers, designers and architects of the future in our class.