V Clavel Builds Seismographs


The "Big One" hit the Middle School science lab at 1:00 p.m. on October 28, but it wasn’t any fault in the Earth’s crust causing the tremors…it was the boys of V Clavel.  Mr. Parsons’ assignment in science class:  construct a seismograph, simulate an earthquake, and record and analyze the results.  Simulate an earthquake?  There were rumblings in the class.  The boys were certainly looking forward to that part.  The seismographs were cleverly built using cash register receipt rolls and a metallic wire attached to a base that kept the recording device steady.  The boys then paired up before unleashing their waves of destruction.  Mr. Parsons instructed them to mimic three different types of seismic activity by 1) gently vibrating the edge of the table; 2) applying the same force to the table, but this time at a perpendicular angle to the writing stylus; and 3) applying sharp jolts or blows to the table at all angles.  Most of the boys wanted to jump ahead to the final step (surprise, surprise).  They nevertheless managed to have a fascinating lesson in seismology.  Thank you, Mr. Parsons, for making the science lab an epicenter of fun.  The aftershocks will certainly have a lasting effect on the boys.
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