How Things Break: When Structures Fail

Scientists and engineers intentionally break things all the time. It helps us understand how they’ll break and more importantly, what we can do to prevent them from failing. Failure is an important part of the design and discovery process. From skyscrapers and bridges to lawn chairs we’ll look at the forces that bring them down and use our insight to improve them.

This stunning high-definition movie will serve as the springboard for a lively discussion about the science behind the beauty and wonder of nature.

Zach Aitken, a graduate student in the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, will introduce the film and guide the post-screening discussion.

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

This is a special one-hour school-day performance. For more field trip opportunities, or to make reservations, please call Mary Herrera at (626) 395-6059 or email at [email protected].

Presented By: Caltech Committee on Institute Programs