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Linkages
Source Institutions
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.

Jam Jar Jet
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a "Jam Jar Jet" based on Francois Reynst's discovery of a pulsejet engine, which uses one opening for both air intake and exhaust.

Liquid Body Armor
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics.

Exploring Tools: Special Microscopes
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use a flexible magnet as a model for a scanning probe microscope (SPM). They learn that SPMs are an example of a special tool that scientists use to work on the nanoscale.

Kinetic Sculpture: Program the Pico Cricket to Make Your Art Light Up or Spin
Source Institutions
Use a Pico Cricket (micro-controller) to animate your art! You can program a Pico Cricket to make your art spin, light up, or make music.

The Electric Squeeze
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo about piezoelectricity, learners discover how some crystals produce electricity when squeezed.

Nano Ice Cream
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo, learners discover how liquid nitrogen cools a creamy mixture at such a rapid rate that it precipitates super fine grained (nano) ice cream.

Smart Domino Tricks
Source Institutions
In this activity, you take regular dominoes, and turn them into conductive switches that can turn on a LEGO RCX block or Pico Cricket (micro controller). LEGO RCX block or Pico Cricket is required.

Musical Sculpting Machine: Squeeze Play-Doh to Make Music
Source Institutions
Play-Doh is conductive! Use the semiconductive qualities of Play-Doh to make your own squeezable instrument. Pico Cricket is required.

Exploring Size: Scented Balloons
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use their sense of smell to explore the world on the nanoscale.
Stranded
Source Institutions
What's a more compelling problem to solve than being stranded on a deserted island?

Cook Up a Comet
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 5 of PDF), learners use dry ice and household materials to make scientifically accurate models of comets.

Edible Glass
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover the principles of edible glass by making a supersaturated sugar solution.
Ships Ahoy!
Source Institutions
Design a vessel that tests the limits of wind power given a set of off the shelf and recycled materials.

Mini Tree House Build
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and build a miniature tree house in a potted plant. This activity uses engineering concepts to encourage creativity.
Happy City
Source Institutions
Make a model city happier with LEDs, circuits, motors, and batteries! Groups can think, discuss, design, and build what would make a community happy. Kids can work as part of a team or on their own.

Musical Ice: How to Make an Ice Theremin
Source Institutions
Build a musical ice theremin by programming a micro controller, like a Pico Cricket to respond to resistance generated by the ice melting, or the ice being touched.

Plastics the Second Time Around
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners test and compare the physical properties of thermoplastic polymers. Learners compare different plastics based on their color, degree of transparency, texture, and density.

Engineer A Bird Feeder
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners of all ages will design a functional bird feeder using familiar, every day materials.
Soaring Satellites
Source Institutions
Using a vertical wind tube and using simple materials, individuals and groups attempt to design a "satellite" that floats for at least 5 seconds.