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To learn how friction affects motion, learners build a measurement tool from a rubber band and other simple materials.

Learners explore the concepts of equilibrium and center of mass by seeing how non-symmetrical objects balance.

Learners build at least two different spinners (tops) to investigate how mass distribution, size, and shape affect the length of time the spinner spins.

Learners construct a rocket from a balloon propelled along a guide string.

Learners build simple catapults and use them to launch cotton balls.

Learners examine collisions between two skateboards carrying different masses. They learn about conservation of momentum in collisions.

Learners build structures from spaghetti and marshmallows to determine which structures are able to handle the greatest load.

Learners build and investigate pendulums of different lengths. They discover that the longer the string of the pendulum, the longer the time it takes to swing.

Learners engage in close observation of falling objects. They determine it is the amount of air resistance, not the weight of an object, which determines how quickly an object falls.

In this activity, learners determine whether thermal energy can be used for work.

In this engineering design challenge, learners make a bird and then control its flight with attached strings.

In this activity, learners will build a stomp-powered launcher to blast off paper rockets they design. Materials can be found at a local hardware store or you may already have them at home.

In this activity, learners design and build a NASA rover using raw pasta and candy with a limited imaginary budget.

In this engineering design challenge, learners animate a facial expression and make a machine (zoetrope) that plays the animation back.

In this activity, learners design and build their own parachute using household materials with the goal of landing their passenger safely on a target.

Based of the The Tech Challenge 2015, learners will engage in two mini-design challenges related to seismic engineering.

In this design challenge, learners will create wind-powered contraptions to transport a load, such as a cupcake or another small object, and test to see if they work.

In this activity, learners build a LEGO® structure while wearing mittens. This activity shows learners how difficult it is to build small things when your tools are too big.

In this engineering design challenge, learners make a bubble maze that allows bubbles to move through a series of “on” and “off” switches.

In this series of activities (page 5), students are introduced to the design process.