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Matraca
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In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.

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

Cranking Bird
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In this activity, learners build a mini crank machine to make a bird "fly." This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams.

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

Sound Automata
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In this activity, learners build their own sound machines and explore the interplay of motion and sound.

Torsion Drum
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In this activity, learners build a musical drum using a cardboard tube, plastic wrap, and beads.

Woodpecker
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In this activity, learners construct a traditional handicraft toy that illustrates a motion commonly associated with violins and earthquakes.

Carousel Pump
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In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.

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

Slide Whistle
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In this activity, learners build a slide whistle using PVC pipe, bamboo skewer, and piece of foam. Construction of the instrument is relatively simple.

Finger Basketball
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In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts using cardboard and measuring spoons. Use this activity to introduce learners to catapults, forces, and levers.

Hydraulic Car
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In this activity, learners build cars using syringes and water-powered hydraulics. Learners construct the car frame out of cardboard and set up a hydraulic system to raise and lower the car.

Minibot
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In this activity, learners build a mini dancing robot. This engineering activity introduces learners to electricity, circuits, switches, conductivity, and motors.

Zig Zag Bopper
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In this activity, learners build a machine made of craft sticks to multiply the levering motion of their hands and create a device that bends and extends.

Marble Game
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In this activity, learners construct a simple game to test their hand-eye coordination and steadiness of hand.

Motor Bird
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In this activity, learners build a bird that flies in place with help from a motor, wire, and some straws.

Electromagnetic Dancer: Connect Her Up and Watch Her Dance!
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use a nail and magnet wire to build an electromagnet, which controls the movements of a paper dancer.

Bouncing Yo-Yo
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In this activity, learners build unique yo-yos, which spin round and round without moving up and down.

Magnetic Spinner & Compass
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Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.

Spinning Illusions
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In this activity, learners construct three optical illusion toys to examine how our brains play tricks on what we see.