ISG Jubail Students Tackle Real-World Engineering Challenges

At ISG Jubail, middle school STEAM students, guided by Mr. Casey Martin,  explored the science behind earthquakes through a hands-on engineering design project focused on creating safer structures.

Their learning began with an investigation into how earthquakes occur and how they impact buildings and communities around the world. As students examined real examples, they began to understand the challenges engineers face when designing in areas where seismic activity is a part of daily life.

With this foundation, students moved into the design process, defining clear criteria and constraints for their models. They considered stability, materials and cost while brainstorming ideas and developing detailed plans. Each design reflected thoughtful decision making as students worked together to find solutions that could withstand movement while remaining practical. The process encouraged collaboration, careful planning and a willingness to test new ideas.

An important part of the project centered on budgeting and resource management. Students were given a materials list with assigned costs and were responsible for planning how to use their resources effectively. As they made decisions, they considered how cost and quality influence one another, adjusting their designs when needed. This added a layer of realism that helped students see how engineering decisions are often shaped by both creativity and limitations.

Once their plans were complete, students built their models and tested them under simulated earthquake conditions. Watching their structures respond to movement gave them valuable insight into what worked well and what could be improved. They collected observations, reflected on their designs and made thoughtful adjustments, approaching each step with curiosity and determination.

Through this experience, students connected scientific understanding with practical application while developing confidence in problem solving and teamwork. At ISG Jubail, learning continues to grow through opportunities that encourage students to think critically, work collaboratively and apply their knowledge in ways that feel meaningful and relevant.