Search Results

This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Garbology Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization using recycled materials.

This is a perfect summertime lunch activity! Pico Cricket is required (micro controller). First, get a bunch of cut up fruit, line them up, then plug a piece of fruit with a Pico Cricket sensor clip.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners discover how all the parts of a diaper work together to keep babies dry and comfortable.

In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.

In this engineering design challenge, learners build an octopus-inspired suction pad that can grab an object and hold it tightly in the air.

In this engineering activity, learners examine bicycle mechanics and gear ratios. Learners determine which gears will help them bike a set course in the shortest amount of time.

In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.

In this activity, learners explore electronic communication, the Morse Code system, and advances all the way through text messaging. Learners build a simple circuit, send messages to one another.

This activity explores the basic workings of a siphon, which is the core technology that makes toilets work.

In this activity, learners explore watercraft engineering and sailing.

This quick demonstration (on page 11 of PDF) allows learners to understand why scientists think water ice could remain frozen in always-dark craters at the poles of the Moon.

In this activity, learners explore the function and engineering of dams and how dams have many uses and solve many problems in the world.

In this activity, learners explore engineering package designs that meet the needs of safely shipping a product.

In this pencil and paper activity, learners work in pairs and simulate how astronomical spacecraft and computers create images of objects in space.

In this engineering design challenge, learners build an air-powered spinning machine.

In this activity, learners explore the history, design and motion of spinning tops. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own tops out of everyday items.

In this activity, learners build a hot air balloon using just a few sheets of tissue paper and a hair dryer.

In this activity, learners work in NASA teams to build balloon-powered rockets using identical parts and compete to launch the greatest number of paper clips to "space" (the ceiling).

Margaret Pezalla-Granlund, a Minnesota artist, came up with this really fun and surprising activity using graphite from a pencil, connected with a Pico Cricket to tell a story: "The first time I saw s

In this activity, learners build helicopters and launchers using wooden dowels and scrap paper. Use this activity to explore rotational motion and kinetic and potential energy.