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This activity requires a Pico Cricket (tiny computer). Learners work on designing and building a sound sensor out of household materials, like plastic wrap and cardboard.

In this hands-on activity, learners use an assortment of (mainly household) items to complete Rube Goldberg-type challenges.

In this activity, learners listen to songs and decode hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem. As a final challenge, learners decode the binary messages in a music video.

Learners will build and experiment with their own windmills made from simple household materials.

In this activity, learners create 3D geometric shapes using straws and pipe cleaners.

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

In this design activity, learners create a vehicle that can transport a load, like a favorite toy or as a recycled object, from the top of a zipline to the bottom using only gravity.

Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.

In this two part activity, learners become draft detectives by constructing their own draft catchers to detect drafts around windows or doors.

In this outdoor activity and game, learners explore how animals adapt for survival through coloration, markings and camouflage.

This lesson (on pages 46-55 of PDF) features two strategy board games -- one from Ghana and one from China. The first game, Achi, is a cross between checkers and tic-tac-toe.

In this technology activity, learners light up the room with electrifying play dough creations. Learners use conductive and insulating homemade play dough to build simple circuits.

In this activity, learners explore trebuchet design. Teams of learners construct trebuchets from everyday materials.

In this activity, learners explore how voting systems have changed with engineering advances over time. Learners work in teams to design their own voting system using easy to find materials.

Learners make a counting/estimating jar to exchange with friends or bring home.

In this activity, leaners explore building techniques by recreating the story of The Three Little Pigs.

In this activity, learners are challenged to design and construct a trophy for prize-winning sports equipment.

Scientists use enormous wind tunnels to test the design of planes, helicopters, even the Space Shuttle.

In this activity about encryption, learners cut out a secret decoder badge from a handout and use it to encode messages to each other.

In this design challenge activity, learners add headphones to a previously built instrument (see "Build a Band" activity) to make it easier to hear.