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In this activity, learners use things from the kitchen as building materials to explore how shapes contribute to the strength of different structures.

In this twist on a classic design challenge, learners will try to stop a bouncy ball from bouncing as they explore how to control the fall of an object.

Using a vertical wind tube and using simple materials, individuals and groups attempt to design a "satellite" that floats for at least 5 seconds.

The goal of this activity is to build a miniature bobsled that is either the fastest or the slowest. Learners use recycled materials to design, build, and test their bobsled on a bobsled track.

Make a copy of the first stethoscope with only a cardboard tube! René Laennec invented the first stethoscope in 1819 using an actual paper tube!

Learners create an Incan counting device called a quipu (pronounced kee-poo).

In this activity, learners explore how engineers design tire treads to increase safety and reliability.

In this fun and, at times, hilarious force and motion activity, learners will use household objects to build a crazy contraption and see how far they can get a tennis ball to move.

In this activity, learners make mobiles to explore the concepts of balance, counterbalance, weight, and counterweight.

In this online Flash game, learners test their engineering know-how, moving a collection of mechanical parts onto a board to make complete a system of parts that will move a ball from start to finish.

In this engineering activity, learners design parachutes to give toy figures safe landings. This activity is great for practicing an important STEM skill--changing only one variable at a time.

In this design challenge activity, learners use tubes of newspaper to make a table that’s at least eight inches tall and strong enough to hold a heavy book!

Learners make their own simple slide rules out of paper and learn how they work.

In this engineering activity, challenge learners to build a tower out of 10 sheets of newspaper and 3 feet of masking tape, which can hold a golf ball balancing at the top.

In this activity, learners construct paper airplanes that twist and turn.

In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a battery pack. The markers act as "legs" for the machine, making a drawing that records as it moves.

In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a cricket to control the movement. A programmed LEGO RCX or Cricket is required for this high-tech version.

In this physics activity, challenge learners to make a rubber band-powered spool racer. Demonstrate principles of motion as well as potential and kinetic energy.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a car that can travel at least four feet using rubber band power and use the design process to debug problems.

Learners explore the endless possibilities of cardboard engineering in this open-ended STEAM activity. Practice being creative by building structures with no glue, only cardboard and scissors.