Variations
- What do you think will happen if you use a lighter weight on the horizontal rod of your
seismograph? If you use a heavier weight? - Another way to test the seismograph would be to drop a box containing objects with
increasing mass at different distances from the seismograph. For example, you could use
20-pound sacks of dry rice, or an increasing number of books. Use a bathroom scale to
measure the weight of the box. You can also try this test on different substrates (wood
floor vs. concrete slab). - Advanced: Can you think of ways to improve the seismograph? Or can you think of
different way to measure seismic waves? Draw a clear diagram that shows and labels all
parts. Then write a paragraph explaining how your design works. Here are some important
considerations as you are coming up with your design:
o Is it made of common inexpensive materials found in a local store?
o Will it be able to determine the relative magnitude (size) of each vibration it
measures?
o Will it be able to measure vibrations continuously for at least 1 minute?
o Will it be able to measure even slight vibrations (such as a person jumping up and
down next to your seismograph)?
Gather the materials you need and build the seismograph you designed. Be prepared to
show other students how your device works (UC Regents, 1995).From: http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/Geo_p017.shtml