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Showing results 1 to 16 of 16
Carousel Pump
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In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.
Magnetic Spinner & Compass
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Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.
Tops
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In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.
Matraca
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In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.
Zig Zag Bopper
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In this activity, learners build a machine made of craft sticks to multiply the levering motion of their hands and create a device that bends and extends.
Micro Automata
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In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.
Lever Cowboy
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In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.
Seashell Journal
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In this activity, learners make homemade journals featuring seashell rubbings. First, learners transfer the texture of a seashell onto a piece of paper using a crayon.
Mini Zoetrope
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In this activity (posted on March 27, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a mini zoetrope, a device that produces an illusion of action from a rapid succession of static pictures.
Bobbing Eyeballs
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In this activity, learners use simple materials and basic tools to construct a special toy to explore pendulums. As the head of the toy bobs one way, the eyeballs bob the other way.
Magnetic Seesaw
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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets.
Cranking Bird
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In this activity, learners build a mini crank machine to make a bird "fly." This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams.
Geometry Construction: Polyhedral Playthings
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In this activity, learners create 3D geometric shapes using straws and pipe cleaners.
Hydraulic Car
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In this activity, learners build cars using syringes and water-powered hydraulics. Learners construct the car frame out of cardboard and set up a hydraulic system to raise and lower the car.
Cardboard Opaque Projector
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In this activity, learners construct a projector out of cardboard to view their favorite images (such as storybook illustrations) on the wall.
Cardboard Box Camera Obscura
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In this activity, learners construct a device that projects images onto a surface, so they can trace landscapes and other sights.