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In this activity (pages 8-9), learners investigate the properties of smart materials, which are materials that respond to things that happen around them.

In this activity, learners build small indoor paper rockets, determine their flight stability, and launch them by blowing air through a drinking straw.

In this activity, learners model the flow of energy from the sun as it enters a photovoltaic cell, moves along a wire and powers a load.

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

In this activity, learners make water-walking critters using thin wire, and then test how many paper clips these critters can carry without sinking.

In this activity (posted on March 20, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a stroboscope, a device that exploits the persistence of vision to make moving objects appear slow or stationary.

Learners use a spring scale to drag an object such as a ceramic coffee cup along a table top or the floor.

In this activity on page 12 of the PDF (Rethinking the 3 R’s: It’s Easy to be Green), learners examine how recyclable materials are separated by various properties at recycling centers.

In this activity on page 9 of the PDF, learners test how flavoring extracts move through the walls of a balloon.

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 activity (pages 5-7), learners investigate the properties of smart materials, which are materials that respond to things that happen around them.

In this activity, learners create a star show and discover how they can prevent light pollution. Using simple materials, learners first design constellation boxes.

In this activity, learners identify different classes of matter based on physical properties.

In this activity (pages 42-49), learners discover the methods and challenges of building nanoscale structures with macroscale equipment.

This is a demonstration about how nature inspires nanotechnology. It is easily adapted into a hands-on activity for an individual or groups.

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 on page 13 of the PDF, use a special plastic card that has been painted with a chemical that changes color when it is in UV light.

In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts using cardboard and measuring spoons. Use this activity to introduce learners to catapults, forces, and levers.

In this activity, learners investigate the impact of oil pollution on the environment and wildlife. Learners use hard-boiled eggs and feathers to understand the damage that oil spills can cause.

In this outdoor activity, learners use pegs (like tent pegs) and string or elastic to simulate drill sites and roads in Northern Canada.