During science club this term pupils from year 7 to 10 have to planned, built, and test wooden model houses designed to withstand a simulated tsunami. The planning phase involved researching tsunami impacts and applying basic principles of structural engineering. Teams sketched designs that considered stability, strong foundations, and how water would flow around or under the structure.

Once built, each model was tested against a wave of water designed to simulate a tsunami’s force. Students observed how their structures responded, identifying points of failure and success. This hands-on testing helped them understand the real-world challenges of designing buildings in disaster-prone areas. The pupils also tested the structures by adding masses to test the strength. Ultimately D. Mobolaji, E. Salami, S. Singh, T. Blundell and L. Morton built strong structures to withstand the rigorous testing.  Afterward, teams reflected on their results and collaborated with each other to discussed improvements they would make in future designs, reinforcing the importance of planning, collaboration, and testing in engineering.