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Carousel Pump
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In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.

Linkages
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This design challenge is an open-ended exploration of linkages, a group of parts connected by hinges, and the types of motion they can create.

Electric Paddle Boat
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In this activity, learners build an electric two-paddle boat using paint paddles, plastic knives, and empty water bottles.

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

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.

Graph Dance
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In this activity, learners "dance" (move back and forth at varying speeds) by reading a graph. This is a kinesthetic way to help learners interpret and understand how motion is graphed.

Crank It Up
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In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.

Soaring Satellites
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Working in small teams, learners try to build a satellite that can float for at least five seconds in the marked area of a vertical wind tube.

Playing with Parachutes
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In this activity, learners explore how parachutes are used to slow down moving objects. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own parachutes out of everyday items.

Magnetic Marble Run
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Learners explore magnetism and motion as they build a simple marble run. Learners test different arrangements of plastic and cardboard tubes, bottles, and cups on a magnetic board.

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

Micro Automata
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In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.

Lever Cowboy
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In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.

Tinkering with Tops
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In this activity, learners explore the history, design and motion of spinning tops. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own tops out of everyday items.

Bottle Cars
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In this activity, learners explore motion, energy, and electricity by constructing bottle cars that run on motors.

Newton Car
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In this activity, learners work in teams to investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force as described in Newton's second law of motion.

On Target
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In this design challenge activity, learners modify a cup so it can carry a marble down a zip line and also drop it onto a target.

Chain Reaction II
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In this hands-on activity, learners use an assortment of (mainly household) items to complete Rube Goldberg-type challenges.

Handheld Water Bottle Rocket & Launcher
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In this activity, learners build handheld rockets and launchers out of PVC pipes and plastic bottles. Use this activity to demonstrate acceleration, air pressure, and Newton's Laws of Motion.

Catapult
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In this activity, learners build mini catapults using paint paddles and a spoon. Use this activity to introduce learners to forces and projectile motion.