The NextGen - HS module is intended for high school students who are interested in learning how engineers can design earthquake resistant structures using the newest technologies, materials, and construction practices.
The module consists of a four-week summer program in which teams of three high school students are invited to learn about earthquake resistant structural design by using the NextGen Learning Step (NLS) Tutorials available on this site as part of the NextGen-Webpath. Students who have participated and completed this program will then be considered I-SEEEs (Individual Students Educated in Earthquake Engineering).
After completion of all NLS Tutorials and their accompanying comprehension exams, students will use NextGen-Webpath to select from a suite of timber elemenst such as 2x4's, 2x6's, 4x8's, 3/4" plywood, etc. to design a two story wood frame home. Each teams design will then be simulated using H-NONLIN and, based upon the results of their simulation, each team will select an appropriate earthquake protection system for their structure.
Each teams structure will be penalized based upon the weight of material used, connections, etc. so as to determine the "best" design The prize for their efforts: