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This lesson focuses on how nanotechnology has impacted the design and engineering of many everyday items from paint to fabrics.

In this geology and engineering activity (page 7 of the PDF), learners build an earthquake simulator, then use it to test various building designs, exploring different materials, shapes, and design op

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

In this activity, learners use things from the kitchen as building materials to explore how shapes contribute to the strength of different structures.

In this twist on a classic design challenge, learners will try to stop a bouncy ball from bouncing as they explore how to control the fall of an object.

Learners build a simple electromagnet, then use this electromagnet to transform a yogurt container into a working speaker. They can connect their speaker to a radio and listen as it transmits sound.

In this activity, learners explore the properties of paper by constructing and modifying paper airplanes.

In this activity, learners explore how boats are engineered to achieve speed.

Learners construct one or more of the following kinds of sundials: a shadow plot, a horizontal sundial, and a diptych sundial.

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.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers design tire treads to increase safety and reliability.

In this fun and, at times, hilarious force and motion activity, learners will use household objects to build a crazy contraption and see how far they can get a tennis ball to move.

In this activity, learners make mobiles to explore the concepts of balance, counterbalance, weight, and counterweight.

In this engineering activity, learners design parachutes to give toy figures safe landings. This activity is great for practicing an important STEM skill--changing only one variable at a time.

This guide features three related ramp explorations in which learners investigate the following science concepts: when placed on a ramp, some objects roll, others slide, and others stay put; the shape

In this design challenge activity, learners use tubes of newspaper to make a table that’s at least eight inches tall and strong enough to hold a heavy book!

In this engineering activity, challenge learners to build a tower out of 10 sheets of newspaper and 3 feet of masking tape, which can hold a golf ball balancing at the top.

In this activity, learners construct paper airplanes that twist and turn.

In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a battery pack. The markers act as "legs" for the machine, making a drawing that records as it moves.

In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a cricket to control the movement. A programmed LEGO RCX or Cricket is required for this high-tech version.