Triangle of Life

High school (ages 12+)
Safety & Emergency

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/triangle-of-life

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary proponent?Doug Copp, who developed and widely disseminated the 'Triangle of Life' concept
2. What is the scientific basis?Unsubstantiated; lacks empirical evidence and peer-reviewed research supporting its efficacy
3. Why do some people think the Triangle of Life is a good idea?They believe the empty space next to sturdy objects will protect them from falling floors in a building that might collapse.
4. Why do experts say the Triangle of Life is not a good plan?Scientists and safety groups say it has no real proof and that moving around during an earthquake can be dangerous; the usual advice is to drop, cover, and hold on.

Pancake Collapse: A severe structural failure where building floors collapse directly onto each other.
Void: An empty space or gap within a collapsed structure, theorized to offer protection.
Seismic Resilience: The ability of a structure or system to withstand seismic events with minimal damage.
Disaster Preparedness: The measures taken to prepare for and respond to disasters.