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In this three/four-day lesson, learners calculate perimeters and areas and draw the castle plan to scale.

In this engineering activity (page 5 of PDF), young learners investigate how materials and design contribute to the strength of a structure, particularly walls.

In this Engineering Design Challenge activity, learners will use balloons to investigate how a multi-stage rocket, like that used in the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, can propel a sat

In this activity, learners construct speedy vehicles made out of paper plates and powered by twisted rubber bands.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion.

Learn how to make and fly a paper helicopter! This simple activity includes a template (for the copter "blades") and instructions for folding, flying, and testing designs.

In this activity, learners construct three optical illusion toys to examine how our brains play tricks on what we see.

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.

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.

Learners use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar-powered car. Solar car kits usually include a photovoltaic cell and motor; some include a chassis as well.

In this activity, learners build a recording timer made from simple materials (e.g., small dc motor, sharpie pen, craft sticks, adding machine paper tape, etc.).

In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air.

In this activity, learners explore the engineering and principles behind working elevators.

In this activity, learners will create their own percussion instrument with recycled materials. Learners will explore design, fabrication, cause and effect and sound through this activity.

This activity (on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Sailboat Design Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization.

Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.

In this activity, learners build a hovercraft using a paper plate, cup, and simple motor.

In this dynamic activity, learners build a catapult that launches projectiles, such as marshmallows.