Source Institutions
Source Institutions
Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square250/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-972.jpg?itok=SKLqddlM)
In this activity, learners explore how pens have been engineered and re-engineered over time. Learners work as a team to develop a working pen out of everyday items. They sketch their plans, identify materials they'll need for construction, build their pen, test it, and present their design to the group.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 2 hours
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Student Resource Sheets
- Student Worksheets
- Straws
- Paper
- String
- Tape
- Wire
- Paper clips
- Feathers/quills
- Glue
- Foil
- Plastic wrap
- Leaves
- Wooden sticks
- Water
- Washable liquid watercolor or diluted washable paint
- Flour or corn starch (can be used as a thickener)
- Sponge
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
-
Technology
- Information and Communication
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Solutions
-
Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Gravity
-
States of Matter
- Liquids
- Structure and Properties of Matter
-
Chemistry
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Impacts of Technology
- Technology and History
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, IEEE,