Stepping Out

All shook up

Earthquakes rattle Long Island Children's Museum

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There’s a whole lot of shaking going at Long Island Children’s Museum. The museum has started of 2016 with a rumble — as it welcomes a new exhibition, “When the Earth Shakes.”
The recently opened traveling exhibit, which runs through April 24, explores the science of earthquakes and how scientists and engineers work together to make the world a safer place.
“Earthquakes are a mystery to most families since we don’t experience them much here, but we read about them and are certainly aware of them,” says LICM Director of Education & Visitor Experience Aimee Terzulli. “We know that families and schools will be interested in the science content and learning goals of the exhibit. Children will better understand the natural occurrences that happen every day all around the world and how scientists and engineers address them to make us all safer.”
“When the Earth Shakes,” which was developed by Ithaca, N.Y.-based Sciencenter and Cornell University, focuses on how the constantly moving earth is often affected by sporadic jolts and the impact on the way people live. It also highlights the ongoing research of earthquake scientists and engineers through dynamic interactive play-filled activities.
“The exhibit is a good fit for us,” says Terzulli. “It encompasses a lot of topics in one. We are conscious of the importance of STEM education and there’s a lot of good knowledge here. The earth affects us all and the way we live. Children are looking at nature more closely now, especially after Sandy, and are more aware now.”
Visitors will want to hold on tight as they immerse themselves in the science behind earthquakes and tsunamis through dynamic and relatable activity stations.
Kids can jump on the Quake Karaoke platform and go for a high score as they try to match an historic seismogram. In this simulation of a seismic meter, they can jump up and down — changing how hard they jump — to simulate what an earthquake feels like. Everyone can watch their own seismogram in real time as they jump to replicate the original seismogram.
Puzzled Earth takes a look at the earth’s crust, where families can assemble Earth according to today’s plate tectonic boundaries, It’s a race against the clock to try and complete the 20-piece plate tectonic puzzle before time runs out and all the pieces fall.
Engineering comes into focus in the 16 foot-long Tsunami Tank. Budding engineers can test their design abilities as they build a structure, set it on a “beach,” and launch a wave. See how the constant waves impact the “building” and if it can stay up. Then watch a replay of the impact in slow motion to improve the design or even add a seawall.
Delve deeper into earthquake engineering at the Shake Table. Kids — and adults alike — can learn about the challenges of designing and building structures to withstand earthquakes with blocks and reinforcing rods. Turn the dials to test the results against earthquake forces. If the structure doesn’t stand up, redesign to make it safer.
Or take a spin through geologic history with Plates in Motion, an engaging high-definition video display that demonstrate how tectonic plates change over time. Spin the dial and see how they break up and reassemble by controlling Earth’s plate movement. Begin 600 million years ago and then spin to the present for today’s tectonic plate arrangement. Then go 200 million years into the future and then back again and see how the Earth is predicated to move, and if the continents can be recognized.
Check out the Seismic Monitor, a real-time display that shows the hundreds of earthquakes occurring over the past two weeks. Look for larger-magnitude quakes and determine if quakes cluster around tectonic plate boundaries.
Earthquake Theater shows videos of scientists and engineers at work. Watch footage of real quakes, find out what causes them and discover how engineers use fascinating tools and technology to test and improve building techniques and materials.
And find out about the important work of the National Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation at the NEEShub touchscreen station. The National Science Foundation-funded consortium involves 14 universities who are researching how earthquakes and tsunami impact the buildings, bridges, utility systems and other critical components of today’s society. See different experiments and learn about their research where scientists tested structures using giant shake tables, centrifuges, a tsunami wave basin and other types of equipment.
“The STEM content leads to discussion and lots of collaborative learning,” says Terzulli. “And it’s all a lot fun. Our visitors are really enjoying it so far. For those who haven’t been to it yet, the upcoming vacation week is a great time to come and try it out.”
As always, the museum’s staff has planned themed activities to enhance the exhibit experience. Upcoming programming includes a Mountain or Molehill workshop (Feb. 28), which explores the movement of earthquakes, volcanoes and tectonic plates.

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