Search Results

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

In this activity, challenge learners to design a roller coaster ride for a marble using cardboard and other simple materials.

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.

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 activity, learners explore the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion.

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.

In this design activity, learners create a vehicle that can transport a load, like a favorite toy or as a recycled object, from the top of a zipline to the bottom using only gravity.

In this Engineering Design Challenge activity, learners will use balloons to investigate how a multi-stage rocket, like that used in the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, can propel a sat

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

In this activity, learners review the history of gumball machines and explore potential and kinetic energy, while working in teams to build a gumball slide.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of rotational equilibrium. Learners work in teams to estimate and determine the force within a mobile design.

In this activity, learners model directed evolution by making paper fly. Learners construct and fly paper airplanes.