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Learners build a filter from old soda bottles and dirt. They create polluted water, and pour it through their filter to clean it.

Visitors add drops of copper sulfate solution onto a steel nail. They observe the nail change color from silver to brown as the copper plates onto the nail.

Visitors test solutions of water, sugar, salt, and hydrochloric acid and the solids salt and sugar. They clip leads from the hand generator to wires immersed in each substance.

Visitors prepare six solutions combining vinegar and ammonia that range incrementally from acid (all vinegar) to base (all ammonia).

This activity (on page 2) explores how sensing is part of robotics. Learners try tying their shoes with different constraints.

This activity is on page 3 (continued on page 2) of the pdf, part of the Simple Machines Discovery Box. In this fun activity, learners "create" a complex machine by simulating the parts in action.

Learners compare the properties of two balls that appear identical. One ball bounces, while the other ball "thuds." The “bounce” ball is made of the polymer polybutadiene (-C4H4-).

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 (on page 2 of PDF), learners make their own totem poles out of recycled materials.

Learners make a simple battery out of "sandwiches" of aluminum foil, pennies, and a salt water-soaked paper towel.

Learners experiment with a commercial photo-sensitive paper (Sunprint® or NaturePrint® paper). They place opaque and clear objects on the paper and expose it to bright light, observing the results.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners discover how all the parts of a diaper work together to keep babies dry and comfortable.

This activity explores the basic workings of a siphon, which is the core technology that makes toilets work.

Visitors observe three beakers. One beaker contains an egg immersed in vinegar. Visitors observe carbon dioxide gas escaping from the shell as the calcium carbonate reacts with the vinegar.

Visitors observe a bottle with a balloon attached around the mouth. The bottle contains a solution of yeast, sugar, and water.

Learners use a mortar and pestle to extract clove oil from cloves using denatured alcohol. They put this oil on paper, which they can take home.

Learners experiment with a commercially available liquid-crystal coaster. They warm the material with their hands for varying lengths of time and observe the changing colors that result.

Learners create a small explosion by collecting hydrogen and oxygen gas together and squeezing them into a flame.

In this hands-on activity, learners use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene plastic (#6 recycle code). Learners compare the size and shape of the plastic pieces before and after shrinking.

In this activity, learners create a mixture of water, alcohol and permanent marker ink, and then add salt to form a colored alcohol layer on top of a colorless water layer.