Science Museum of Minnesota
One-Cut Paper Stars
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Here's a very simple activity if you have paper and scissors: make one cut, unfold, and you have a beautiful star! A great way to learn about polygons and origami mathematics.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-276.png?itok=CEaNmJk1)
Balloon Rocket
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Experiment with force and pressure by building a balloon rocket. When launched, the balloon will run a track wherever you place the string.
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Bearings for Your Whirligig
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Experiment with friction and make bearings for a whirligig! This activity is a nice introduction to friction and bearings and demonstrates why bearings are useful for spinning.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-935.png?itok=UsGuR8us)
Keeps on Pumpin': Your Heart
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In this activity, learners explore the great pump in their chests--the human heart!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-606.jpg?itok=ilzE03rH)
Making Circuits
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In this activity, learners explore electricity and conductivity to find that many things conduct electricity including copper, pencil lead, fruit, play-doh, and even people!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-607.jpg?itok=yd67oh9r)
Jitterbugs
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In this activity, learners construct bug models that "jitter" all over the table with just a battery, motor, and counterweight.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-288.png?itok=G2udHYWx)
Tissue Paper Parachute
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In this activity, learners make a parachute out of tissue paper, tape, and string. Then, learners test their parachute to see how many paper clips it can carry.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-277.png?itok=letj1n2Z)
Parachuting Pinwheel
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Build a pinwheel that works without wind! This activity contains steps on how to build a parachuting pinwheel out of paper, a film canister, and some brads.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-303.jpg?itok=TH3j2jk_)
Make Your Own Mini Mini Golf Course
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Build your own Mini Mini Golf Course and learn about hands-on building and design, basic circuitry, motion modules and more!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-275.png?itok=K2j1NYKO)
Straws and Airplanes
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Create airplanes from straws and geometric shapes. Test them out to see how far they can fly, or how accurately they can be aimed.