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Carousel Pump
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In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.
Cupcake Delivery
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In this design challenge, learners will create wind-powered contraptions to transport a load, such as a cupcake or another small object, and test to see if they work.
Space Stations: Sponge Spool Spine
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In this activity, learners simulate what happens to a human spine in space by making Sponge Spool Spines (alternating sponge pieces and spools threaded on a pipe cleaner).
Crank It Up
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In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.
Motor Bird
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In this activity, learners build a bird that flies in place with help from a motor, wire, and some straws.
Sound Automata
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In this activity, learners build their own sound machines and explore the interplay of motion and sound.
Trophy Triathlon
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In this activity, learners are challenged to design and construct a trophy for prize-winning sports equipment.
Gymnast
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In this physics activity, learners build a toy with a figure that spins around like a gymnast on the high bar.
Floating Butterfly
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In this activity, learners create a cool floating animal using the science of magnetism. Learners discover what happens when a piece of magnetic metal enters a magnet's field.
Wind Tunnel
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Scientists use enormous wind tunnels to test the design of planes, helicopters, even the Space Shuttle.
Scribbling Machines
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In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.
Rotational Equilibrium
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In this activity, learners explore the concept of rotational equilibrium. Learners work in teams to estimate and determine the force within a mobile design.
Make a Mobile!
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In this activity, learners make mobiles to explore the concepts of balance, counterbalance, weight, and counterweight.
Cup Draw (Low Tech)
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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.
Rhythm Painting
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In this activity, early learners create paintings by making music and rhythm. Learners place paper in cans, add paint-soaked beans (or pebbles) and put the tops on.
Ramp Painting
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In this activity, learners will dip different items in paint and then roll those items down a ramp. Learners will use science process skills such as observations and experimenting.
Finger Basketball
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In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts using cardboard and measuring spoons. Use this activity to introduce learners to catapults, forces, and levers.
Cardboard Automata
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Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.
Roller Ball Painting
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This is an activity in which learners explore the effects of gravity, motion and momentum while creating art.
Parachute Design
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In this activity, learners design and build their own parachute using household materials with the goal of landing their passenger safely on a target.