Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 37
Cupcake Delivery
Source Institutions
In this design challenge, learners will create wind-powered contraptions to transport a load, such as a cupcake or another small object, and test to see if they work.
Boomerang
Source Institutions
Learners trace, cut out and fly a boomerang, outdoors or in a large indoor space.
Matraca
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.
Pinball Wizard
Source Institutions
In this hands-on engineering project, kids use two simple machines, levers and inclined planes, to construct their own pinball machines.
Canine House of Cards
Source Institutions
This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit.
Exploring Materials: Thin Films
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water. Learners discover that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.
Be a Plumber
Source Institutions
In this activity (located on page 6 of the PDF), learners explore the ways people access water in their homes.
Set It Straight
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple tabletop seesaw to test how different variables (the position of the fulcrum, distance, weight) affect its balance under increasing weight loads.
Make a Totem Pole
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2 of PDF), learners make their own totem poles out of recycled materials.
Pop Bottle Whirligig
Source Institutions
Learn about friction and kinetic energy with this cool spinning toy.
Eye Spy
Source Institutions
This fun activity uses simple materials such as milk cartons and mirrors to introduce the ideas of optics and visual perception.
The Poor Cartographer: Graph Coloring
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners help a poor cartographer color in the countries on a map, making sure each country is colored a different color than any of its neighbors.
Mini Zoetrope
Source Institutions
In this activity (posted on March 27, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a mini zoetrope, a device that produces an illusion of action from a rapid succession of static pictures.
Plastic Bag Creations
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will reuse plastic bags in an interesting way.
Finger Knitting
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will learn how to knit using only their hands. Learners will explore patterns and fabrication as well as develop fine motor skills and patience through this activity.
Opti-Top
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will create an optical illusion top. Learners will explore color mixing, physics and design through this activity.
Clay Bridges
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make bridges using an oil-based modeling clay (plasticene). The instructions include discussion questions for both before and after bridge building.
Block Neighborhood
Source Institutions
In this activity learners will build a neighborhood out of blocks and cardboard.
Puppet Play
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will make a marionette puppet and put on a show. Learners will explore color, design, fabrication and storytelling through this activity.
Hang Time
Source Institutions
Learn how to make and fly a paper helicopter! This simple activity includes a template (for the copter "blades") and instructions for folding, flying, and testing designs.