Classroom seismograph to be installed in Christchurch school
An earthquake monitoring device for schools will be installed at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch tomorrow as
part of a University of Auckland outreach programme to show high school-aged students the wonders of science.
An earthquake monitoring device for schools will be installed at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch tomorrowas
part of a University of Auckland outreach programme to show high school-aged students the wonders of science.
The monitoring device, called the TC1, was designed and developed by Department of Physics senior lecturer Dr Kasper van
Wijk in collaboration with Boise State University in the US.
The vertical seismometer sits within a glass case so that its inner workings can be clearly seen and it registers
earthquakes of 4 and higher locally, and 6 or higher worldwide. It follows the principle of open hardware and software
so that schools can install them themselves.
Dr van Wijk says the beauty of the seismometer is its simple and sturdy design, joking that it is suitable for “kids of
all ages, from 5 to 80.
“More traditional seismometers are horizontal while the TC1 is vertical but we needed a device that could withstand a
bit of rough and tumble in the classroom and this one is simple and robust while also having a meaningful level of
detection”.
Seismic activity is displayed on a large screen, with vertical lines jumping suddenly to show earthquake activity.
Groups of people jumping in unison are able to watch the screen register violent motion.
The seismometers are being installed in schools nationwide through the University of Auckland’s Seismometers in Schools
programme.
“This device is able to give students a real sense of how data works in real-time and is really valuable in teaching the
geophysics behind earthquakes and the sensors that detect them,” Dr van Wijk says.
Rangi Ruru principal Julie Moor says the partnership with the University is an exciting one and important in encouraging
girls to see science as a viable and exciting career.
The TC1 will be installed at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School at 11am tomorrow, 2 September. More information is available at: