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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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottle Cars
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In this activity, learners explore motion, energy, and electricity by constructing bottle cars that run on motors.
Paper Tape Motion Timer
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In this activity, learners build a recording timer made from simple materials (e.g., small dc motor, sharpie pen, craft sticks, adding machine paper tape, etc.).
Motorized Balancing Toy
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In this activity, learners build a toy that flies in circles. This activity introduces learners to center of mass, torque, and rotational motion.
Building a 3-D Space Maze: Escher Staircase
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In this activity (page 95 of the PDF), learners create Escher Staircase models similar to those that were used by Neurolab's Spatial Orientation Team to investigate the processing of information about
Scribbling Machines
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In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.
Cylindrical Wing
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In this design and physics challenge, learners construct a cylindrical wing, fly it, make modifications, and determine how the changes affect flight patterns.
Airboat
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In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air.
Building a Magic Carpet
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In this activity (page 89 of the PDF), learners compare and contrast pitch and roll motions by using a Magic Carpet maze similar to one that was used for Neurolab investigations about microgravity.
FlyBy Math: Distance-Rate-Time Problems in Air Traffic Control
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In this small-group activity, learners assume the roles of pilots, air traffic controllers, and NASA scientists to solve five Air Traffic Control (ATC) problems.
Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine
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In this fun and, at times, hilarious force and motion activity, learners will use household objects to build a crazy contraption and see how far they can get a tennis ball to move.
Cable Car
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In this activity, learners string a line across the room and build cable cars that can move from on end to the other.
Bouncing Yo-Yo
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In this activity, learners build unique yo-yos, which spin round and round without moving up and down.
Speedboat
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In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.
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.
Rubber Band Boat
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In this activity, learners build styrofoam boats powered by twisted rubber bands.