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Make a cuíca (“kwee-ka”), a traditional Brazilian musical instrument that originated in Africa. Played primarily in Brazil, now you can play it at home, too, with this Exploratorium produced activity.

This magic trick is based on how computers detect and correct data errors.

In this activity, learners demonstrate the effects of cold-working (strain-hardening) and annealing. Learners discover that these processes change the load that a wire can support.

In this activity, learners create a map of a hidden surface using a "sounding stick" -- a technique similar to how underwater maps were once made.

If you have 3-foot dowels and rubber bands, you can can started on this fun and open design challenge. You can make structures big and small: make it so you can fit your parent into it!

In this activity, learners will engineer a roof using simple materials to protect a construction paper person from a rainstorm.

In this activity learners will build roller coasters and test them using small balls or marbles.

In this activity, learners investigate the basic crystal structures that metal atoms form.

This game uses a modified Uno deck to review concepts related to stem cell research and diabetes.

In this activity, learners discover that some plastics will shrink when you get them hot. Learners bake polystyrene in a regular oven and discover what happens.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of valve operation and how engineers have adapted valves for use in mechanical heart valve design.

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.

In this online interactive simulation, learners will test the pH of liquids like coffee, spit, and soap to determine whether each is acidic, basic, or neutral.

With a bit of PVC, a laser, a can/cup, and a small mirror, you can make a device that visualizes you voice or any sound transmitted into the cup/can.

The Let's Do Chemistry "Build a Battery" activity lets participants learn how batteries work and how materials behave, change, and interact by building their own simple battery out of metal and felt w

In this activity (pages 13-14), learners investigate the properties of smart materials, which are materials that respond to things that happen around them.

In this activity (Page 22 of PDF), learners investigate the evolution of wheat by washing different types of dough with water and comparing the results.

In this activity (Page 25 of PDF), learners investigate the evolution of wheat by creating dough from different flours, observing the samples of dough as they rise, and then baking the dough.

In this activity, learners work together to interpret an "alien message." The group pretends that this is the only message from an imaginary civilization, so there is no "key" and thus no "correct" wa

In this activity, learners try to put together toy bricks—wearing oven mitts on their hands! This activity shows learners how difficult it is to build small things when your tools are too big.