Thanks to the support of seismologists and a special experimental tool called the “Máquina de Terremotos” - developed by Prof Jaime Campos and produced by makers in the Phyrtual Innovation Gym Fab Lab – participants will be able to analyse the dynamics that take place during an earthquake.
Developed by using carpentry techniques with digital devices such as laser cutters and milling machines, the “Maquina del Terremotos” simulates phenomena such as friction that underlie all seismic events and demonstrate the unpredictable nature of these events.
The initiative will duplicate the didactic activities planned by the “Seismic Risk Programme” that the University of Chile presents in schools throughout the country, which is constantly at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis. The last earthquake to hit Chile in September 2015 reached an 8 on the Richter Scale, but very few people lost their lives. In fact, Chile implements awareness-raising and prevention policy beginning with children in school. The meeting with students in Rome, L’Aquila and Avezzano will be the perfect opportunity to reflect on the relation between mankind and nature.
Prof. Jaime Campos has conducted numerous studies on the Mapuche and in particular on the relation between the love, integration and respect that this indigenous people have for “Mother Earth.” It is this ancestral knowledge that has endowed Chilean people with a different approach to earthquakes.
Once again, the devastating earthquake that hit central Italy last month points to the fact that prevention could save many lives. After the 9.5 magnitude earthquake in 1960, Chile adopted rigorous construction regulations to guarantee that buildings withstand strong seismic events. Moreover, they introduced laws to incentivise the restructuring of houses. Today, Chilean infrastructure is mostly safe and its young people are well informed about this type of natural phenomenon.
