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Make a copy of the first stethoscope with only a cardboard tube! René Laennec invented the first stethoscope in 1819 using an actual paper tube!

Learners create an Incan counting device called a quipu (pronounced kee-poo).

In this activity (page 2 of PDF), learners play with a lens and a piece of paper to focus an image on the paper. Learners look at different things, and see how the lenses affect the image.

Learners make their own simple slide rules out of paper and learn how they work.

In this activity about encryption, learners cut out a secret decoder badge from a handout and use it to encode messages to each other.

In this activity (on page 2) about fingerprint analysis, learners use graphite from a pencil and scotch tape to capture their fingerprints.

Visitors mix urea with water in one flask and mix calcium chloride with water in another flask. They observe that the urea flask gets cold and the calcium chloride flask gets hot.

Visitors mix water and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in a large flask. They then add citric acid to the mixture and stopper the flask. The resulting reaction creates carbon dioxide gas.

Visitors separate a mixture of pebbles, salt crystals, and wood shavings by adding water and pouring the mixture through a strainer.

Visitors use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene. They compare samples from containers that were shaped in different ways during manufacturing.

Visitors incrementally increase the amount of iodate in three different test tubes containing the same amount of a starch solution.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners observe and shake containers of shiny liquids.

Learners write their initials by applying different clear "magic ink" solutions to separate pieces of paper and then "develop" the inks with other clear solutions.

Learners use Benedict’s solution and heat to test for the presence of simple sugars in glucose, sucrose, starch, and starch combined with amylase.

Learners experiment with a piece of Silly Putty® by stretching, bouncing, and snapping it. They then create flubber, a similar substance, by mixing diluted glue and a solution of sodium borate.

In this activity, learners electrically plate zinc onto brass objects.

In this experiment, learners design and build a model room in a shoebox and furnish it with tiny furniture.

Learners press their fingertip onto a clean Plexiglas sheet. The fingerprints are then revealed as learners dust over the print with fingerprint powder.