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In this engineering design challenge, learners build an octopus-inspired suction pad that can grab an object and hold it tightly in the air.

In this activity, learners consider the water features they might enjoy at a community park--a pond, brook, water playground (or "sprayground"), or pool--and what happens to the water over time.

In this activity, learners explore surgical instrument design. Teams of learners construct surgical instruments from everyday materials.

In this activity, learners extract DNA from wheat germ. Use this activity to introduce learners to DNA, biotechnology and genetic engineering.

In this game (on pages 14-21), learners explore how each human being inherits genetic traits such as eye color.

In this genetics activity, learners extract DNA from an onion, using detergent solution, a food processor, and rubbing alcohol. They will also discuss genetic engineering of plants.

In this activity, learners will design a seed and test how it travels. Learners will use the Engineering Design Process to create a seed which can move from place to place.

In this activity, learners will explore engineering to construct an insect collecting tool (insect aspirator). The pooter uses suction to safely collect smaller insects that nets miss or may injure.

Learners test two jars containing soil, one covered and one open, for changes in temperature. After placing the jars in the Sun, learners discover that the covered jar cools down more slowly.

Learners investigate the concept of humidity by using a dry and wet sponge as a model. They determine a model for 100% humidity, a sponge saturated with water.

Learners use red cabbage juice and pH indicator paper to test the acidity and basicity of household materials. The activity links this concept of acids and bases to acid rain and other pollutants.

Learners test two jars, one containing plain air and one containing carbon dioxide gas, to see their reactions to temperature changes.

Learners build a simple aneroid barometer to learn about changes in barometric pressure and weather forecasting. They observe their barometer and record data over a period of days.

Learners conduct a simple experiment to model and explore the harmful effects of acid rain (vinegar) on living (green leaf and eggshell) and non-living (paper clip) objects.

As a model of acid rain, learners water plants with three different solutions: water only, vinegar only, vinegar-water mixture.

Learners use M&Ms® (or any other multi-color, equally-sized small candy or pieces) to create a pie graph that expresses the composition of air.

Learners observe and discuss a simple model of a wet scrubber, a device for cleaning industrial air pollution.

Learners blow into balloons and collect their breath--carbon dioxide gas (CO2). They then blow the CO2 from the balloon into a solution of acid-base indicator.

Learners build a model of a pollution control device--a cyclone. A cyclone works by whirling the polluted air in a circle and accumulating particles on the edges of the container.

Learners build particulate matter collectors--devices that collect samples of visible particulates present in polluted air.