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Crank It Up
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In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.

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.

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.

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

Dance Pad Mania
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Make your own "Dance Dance Revolution" dance pad! In this design challenge activity, learners work in teams to build a dance pad that lets you use your feet to sound a buzzer or flash a light.

Kites
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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Kites) is a full inquiry investigation into how a kite’s shape affects its performance.

Opti-Top
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In this activity, learners will create an optical illusion top. Learners will explore color mixing, physics and design through this activity.

Burst a Bubble
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In this activity, learners will create their own bubble solution. Learners will explore chemistry, geometry and trial and error through this activity.

Magnetic Seesaw
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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets.

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

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.

Bobbing Eyeballs
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In this activity, learners use simple materials and basic tools to construct a special toy to explore pendulums. As the head of the toy bobs one way, the eyeballs bob the other way.

Geometry Construction: Polyhedral Playthings
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In this activity, learners create 3D geometric shapes using straws and pipe cleaners.

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

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

Dough Creatures
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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.

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

Tops
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In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.

Designing a Wall
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In this engineering activity (page 5 of PDF), young learners investigate how materials and design contribute to the strength of a structure, particularly walls.