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In this activity, learners explore how engineers work in a team to solve problems.

In this activity learners will build roller coasters and test them using small balls or marbles.

In this activity, learners explore surgical instrument design. Teams of learners construct surgical instruments from everyday materials.

In this activity, learners are introduced to challenges of maintaining temperatures while living in space.

Hooray! In this design challenge activity, learners invent a device that launches a spoonful of confetti into the air. Learners are encouraged to create the biggest cloud of confetti possible.

In this activity, learners of all ages will design a functional bird feeder using familiar, every day materials.

In this design challenge activity, learners invent a convenient way for someone using crutches or a wheelchair to carry small personal items.

In this design challenge activity, learners add a jet-propulsion system (i.e. a balloon) to a blimp so it flies straight and far under its own power.

In this design challenge activity, learners add headphones to a previously built instrument (see "Build a Band" activity) to make it easier to hear.

In this activity, learners investigate passive solar building design with a focus solely on heating.

Learners work in groups to design and build a tower out of balsa wood. As a motivator, they can compete to build a tower with the highest strength-to-weight ratio.

In this inquiry-based learning activity, learners design, build, and test their own ramps. They are introduced to a variety of materials and explore putting them together.

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

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

This is a tape and glue activity in which learners make binoculars that they can decorate and then use to go bird watching.

In this design challenge, learners design a storm drain cover that catches litter to protect waterways to learn about how local actions can have system-level effects.

In this activity, learners use simple tools to build a bookshelf with a built-in bookend.

After a discussion about what a parachute is and how it works, learners create parachutes using different materials that they think will work best.

In this activity, learners design and build their own parachute using household materials with the goal of landing their passenger safely on a target.

In this activity, learners will build a stomp-powered launcher to blast off paper rockets they design. Materials can be found at a local hardware store or you may already have them at home.