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Magnus Glider
Source Institutions
A design challenge that takes paper airplanes into an entirely different direction: a magnus glider uses cups and and rubber bands to create a glider that uses the same forces that a curveball (from b
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Strong Shapes
Source Institutions
Is a square stronger than a triangle? Use tongue depressors to build simple shapes. Then apply a little weight to them and see what happens!
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You Can Say That Again!: Text Compression
Source Institutions
This activity helps students learn how computers "compress" text by identifying repeating patterns of letters, words, and phrases.
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Nosedive
Source Institutions
This is a great activity for investigating the basics of lift and drag as they pertain to flight. Learners will discover how to avoid "taking a nosedive" by building their own paper airplane.
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Foam Peanuts
Source Institutions
Learners compare the properties and solubilities of Styrofoam (TM), ecofoam packing peanuts, and popcorn. First, the solubility of each substance is tested in water.
Build a Bridge
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use recycled materials to build a bridge that holds as many potatoes as possible. They investigate weight, height, strength, and measurement as they seek design solutions.
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Binary Code Bracelets
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make their own binary code bracelets by translating their initials into 0s and 1s represented by beads of 2 different colors.
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Coffee-Can Cuíca
Source Institutions
Make a cuíca (“kwee-ka”), a traditional Brazilian musical instrument that originated in Africa. Played primarily in Brazil, now you can play it at home, too, with this Exploratorium produced activity.
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Card Flip Magic: Error Detection & Correction
Source Institutions
This magic trick is based on how computers detect and correct data errors.
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Balancing Act
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will build thier own balance scale. Learners will explore weight and comparison through this activity.
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Pop Rockets
Source Institutions
Learners place water and part of an antacid tablet in a film canister. The reaction creates a gas reaction that launches the film canister like a rocket.
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Make and Fly a Helicopter
Source Institutions
Learners follow the template to build and fly a paper helicopter.
Build a Borneo Glider
Source Institutions
In this inquiry-based activity, learners investigate the basic forces of flight as they construct their own paper glider that represents a rainforest creature from Borneo (large, tropical island in So
Dowels and Rubber Bands I
Source Institutions
If you have 3-foot dowels and rubber bands, you can can started on this fun and open design challenge. You can make structures big and small: make it so you can fit your parent into it!
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Swing That Pendulum
Source Institutions
In this full inquiry activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Kinetic Sculpture Challenge Activity), groups of learners will make predictions about which feature of a pendulum (mass, length,
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-229.png?itok=gHEBjInX)
Hang Time
Source Institutions
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.
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Turning the Air Upside Down: Convection Current Model
Learners see convection currents in action in this highly visual demonstration. Sealed bags of colored hot or cold water are immersed in tanks of water.
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Program a Friend
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2), one person "programs" the other like a robot to move through a space, trying to get them to avoid obstacles and reach a goal.
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Convection Demonstration
Source Institutions
In this quick activity (located on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Balloon Fiesta Activity), learners will see the effects of convection and understand what makes hot air balloons rise.
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High Rise
Source Institutions
In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan.