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In this activity, learners build an old-fashioned paddle boat out of simple materials.

In an investigation called "Shape It!" learners craft tiny boats out of clay, set them afloat on water and then add weight loads to them, in order to explore: how objects stay afloat in water; what th

In this engineering/design activity, learners make a kite, fly it, and then work to improve the design. Learners explore how their kite design variations affect flight.

This activity requires a Pico Cricket (tiny computer). Learners work on designing and building a sound sensor out of household materials, like plastic wrap and cardboard.

Learners build a model of a pollution control device--a cyclone. A cyclone works by whirling the polluted air in a circle and accumulating particles on the edges of the container.

Learners listen to and try to decipher a radio message that was sent from Earth to possible intelligent civilizations.

In this activity on page 15 of the PDF, discover how materials and physical forces behave differently at the nanoscale.

In "Exploring the Solar System: Mars Rovers," participants learn about how scientists and engineers use robotic rovers and other vehicles to explore distant worlds, and experience some of the challeng

Using simple materials from around the house and recycled materials, learners will engineer a grabber device to pick up and put down objects that are at least 12 inches away.

In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.

In this activity about electricity, learners identify parallel and series circuits. First, learners examine and label diagrams of complete circuits.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a rubber band-powered rover that can scramble across the room.

In this hands-on activity, learners use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene plastic (#6 recycle code). Learners compare the size and shape of the plastic pieces before and after shrinking.

This activity (on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Body Electricity Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into conductivity.

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer and two small rotating mirrors to create a variety of fascinating patterns, which can be easily and dramatically projected on a wall or screen.

Using paper, paper clips, an index card, and tape, teams of learners design flying devices to (1) stay in the air as long as possible and (2) land as close as possible to a given target.

In this design challenge, learners build a boat that paddles itself using a rubber band as its power source.

In this design challenge activity, learners invent a device that will make their friends and family ask, "What's buzzing?" Learners design an alarm with an on/off switch that is small enough to hide.

In this activity, learners prepare four polymer elastomers and then compare their physical properties, such as texture, color, size, and bounce height.

In this activity, learners create a mixture of water, alcohol and permanent marker ink, and then add salt to form a colored alcohol layer on top of a colorless water layer.