Blasting advisory board launches high-school seismic science competition

The Miami Lakes Blasting Advisory Board on April 27 approved an inaugural seismic-model competition for high-school students intended to raise public awareness of blasting effects and local soil conditions. Dr. David Bennett, who helped design the project and whose company is sponsoring the contest, said it will begin at a single high school and could expand to an area-wide event.

Bennett said the contest will encourage student experimentation with models of seismic energy under the town’s specific soil and water-table conditions, and will coordinate with school science departments on judging and participation. "We set up three levels — $500 first prize, $300 second prize, $200 third prize," Bennett said, noting organizers will provide flexible criteria so students can use the work in school projects or other pursuits.

Organizers said the effort aims both to educate students and to surface additional local data points: student investigations and parental involvement can increase awareness of damage patterns and encourage residents to report concerns. The committee discussed inviting university seismologists as presenters and relocating a Raspberry Shake monitoring device to improve local coverage.

The board agreed to proceed with outreach to the initial school and to invite science-department representatives to future meetings. Members said they will pursue sponsorships if the contest expands to more schools, and that committee volunteers can help with judging and logistics.

Next steps: Bennett and volunteers will coordinate with the participating school to finalize criteria and timelines, and report back to the board at an upcoming meeting.