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Exploring Structures
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This event guide features three related explorations in which learners investigate the following science concepts: how you design and build a structure helps determine how strong it will be; different
As Straight as a Pole
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In this engineering activity (page 3 of PDF), young learners investigate how a pole can be made stable by “planting” its base in the ground or adding supports to the base.
Designing a Wall
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In this engineering activity (page 5 of PDF), young learners investigate how materials and design contribute to the strength of a structure, particularly walls.
Paper Bridges
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In this activity, learners build bridges using paper and explore how much weight each bridge design can support.
Straws and Pins
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In this activity, learners build bridges and cantilevers in a series of "building out" challenges with straws and pins.
Clay Beams and Columns
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In this activity, learners make or use pre-made clay beams to scale and proportion. Specifically, they discover that when you scale up proportionally (i.e.
Wonderful Weather
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In this activity, learners conduct three experiments to examine temperature, the different stages of the water cycle, and how convection creates wind.
Draggin' Boats
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Learners design, build, and test models of "dragon boats" made from up to three milk cartons.
Prepare for a Dock Shop Field Trip
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In this activity, learners explore what makes a boat float and sink. They examine and test various objects to determine why objects float or sink.
Apartment Buildings and More
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In this engineering activity, young learners investigate multi-level buildings.
Building Tall
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In this engineering activity (page 2 of PDF), young learners investigate how a wide base can make a building more stable. Learners use blocks or boxes of different sizes to construct stable towers.
Exploring Fabrication: Self-Assembly
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In this activity, learners participate in several full-body interactive games to model the process of self-assembly in nature and nanotechnology.
Levers at Play
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In this activity, learners consider how a simple machine, a lever, turns a small push or pull (a small force) into a larger--or stronger--push or pull (a larger force).
Exploring Forces: Static Electricity
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In this activity, learners investigate what happens when you build up static electricity on plastic balls.
Prepare for a Construction Zone Field Trip
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In this activity, learners explore work, forces, simple machines, and construction. This lesson guide includes simple ways to demonstrate these principles as well as hands-on activities.
Newspaper Bridges
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In this activity, learners build bridges out of newspaper and tape to explore how structures are designed to bear loads.