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Lava Layering: Making and Mapping a Volcano
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In this activity, learners discover how geologists use stratigraphy, the study of layered rock, to understand the sequence of geological events.

Lean, Mean Information Machine: Using a Simple Model to Learn about Chromosomal DNA
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Learners observe a model of a cell and its chromosomal DNA made from a plastic egg and dental floss. Use this model to illustrate how much DNA is held in one cell.

Avalanche
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In this geology activity, learners create a model using a mixture of salt and sand inside a CD case. When the case is tilted or inverted, the mixture dramatically sorts into a layered pattern.

Fan Cart
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If a sailboat is stranded because there is no wind, is it possible to set up a fan on deck and blow wind into the sail to make the boat move?

Don't Crack Humpty
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Groups of learners are provided with a generic car base and an egg. Their mission: design a device/enclosure to protect the egg on or in the car as it rolls down a ramp with increasing slopes.

Landing the Rover
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In this team design challenge (page 19-24 of PDF), learners "land" a model Lunar Rover in a model Landing Pod (both previously built in activities #3 and #4 in PDF).

Going for a Spin: Making a Model Steam Turbine
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In this activity, learners explore how various energy sources can be used to cause a turbine to rotate.

Build Your Own Robot Arm
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In this lesson, learners develop a robot arm using common materials. Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork, as well as materials selection and use.

Catapult
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In this activity, learners construct their own small catapults using simple materials. Learners follow visual instructions to build their launching device.

Life Size: What's in a microbe?
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In this activity on page 3 of the PDF, learners visualize the relative size and structural differences between microbes that have the potential to cause disease.

Clean Water: Is It Drinkable?
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In this activity, learners simulate nature's water filtration system by devising a system that will filter out both visible and invisible pollutants from water.

Gel Electrophoresis
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In this activity, learners simulate the process of DNA fingerprinting by using electricity to separate colored dyes.

Geometry and Algebra: The Future Flight Equation
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In this activity, learners discover how NASA engineers develop experimental aircraft.

Design a Lunar Rover!
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In this team design challenge (page 2-10 of PDF), learners design and build a model of a Lunar Transport Rover that will carry equipment and people on the surface of the Moon.

Folding Matters
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In this activity, learners explore how the process of folding has impacts on engineering and is evident in nature.

Build a Big Wheel
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In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed big wheels or Ferris wheels.

Reusable Rockets
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This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Garbology Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization using recycled materials.

Engineer an Octopus Suction Pad
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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.

Engineer an Aeolipile
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In this engineering design challenge, learners build an air-powered spinning machine.

Heavy Lifting
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In this activity, learners work in NASA teams to build balloon-powered rockets using identical parts and compete to launch the greatest number of paper clips to "space" (the ceiling).