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

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

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

Learners act as engineers and design mini submarines that move in the water like real submarines.

In this design challenge, leaners attempt to build a strong structure out of LEGO® bricks that can withstand a 4-foot drop.

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 activity, learners build small animated toys that move.

In this design challenge, learners build a boat that paddles itself using a rubber band as its power source.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of friction and how ball bearings reduce friction.

In this activity, learners try to put together toy bricks—wearing oven mitts on their hands! This activity shows learners how difficult it is to build small things when your tools are too big.

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

In this engineering/design activity, learners make a kite, fly it, and then work to improve the design. Learners explore how their kite design variations affect flight.

In this design challenge, learners will create their own roller coaster using household objects for the track and a marble or small ball as their cart.

Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.

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

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

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

The goal of this activity is to build a miniature bobsled that is either the fastest or the slowest. Learners use recycled materials to design, build, and test their bobsled on a bobsled track.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GEMS Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into technology design and testing.