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Electric Paddle Boat
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In this activity, learners build an electric two-paddle boat using paint paddles, plastic knives, and empty water bottles.
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.
Hoop Glider
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In this activity, learners engineer a flying glider using paper hoops and a drinking straw.
Balloon Car
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In this physics activity, challenge learners to make and race a balloon-powered car. Learners construct the body out of a paper cup, wheels out of wooden spools. and fuel tank out of a balloon.
Pencil Balance
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In this activity, challenge learners to make a pencil stand on its tip using only two pieces of wire and two clothespins. Use this activity to demonstrate the center of gravity.
Magnetic Marble Run
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Learners explore magnetism and motion as they build a simple marble run. Learners test different arrangements of plastic and cardboard tubes, bottles, and cups on a magnetic board.
All Wound Up
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In this activity, learners build a racecar using only a rubber band, spool, straw, and paper clip! This racer is a classic toy that zips across a flat surface.
Float My Boat
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In this activity, learners use tinfoil to build and test their own boats - which designs will float, and which will sink?
Micro Automata
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In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.
Lever Cowboy
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In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.
Paper Airplane Contest
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In this fun physics activity (page 9 of the pdf), learners take part in a paper airplane design challenge.
Chain Reaction II
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In this hands-on activity, learners use an assortment of (mainly household) items to complete Rube Goldberg-type challenges.
Marble Ride
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In this activity, challenge learners to design a roller coaster ride for a marble using cardboard and other simple materials.
Catapult
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In this activity, learners build mini catapults using paint paddles and a spoon. Use this activity to introduce learners to forces and projectile motion.
Make and Fly a Helicopter
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Learners follow the template to build and fly a paper helicopter.
Cranking Bird
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In this activity, learners build a mini crank machine to make a bird "fly." This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams.
Puff Mobile
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In this engineering activity, challenge learners to design a car using only 3 straws, 4 Lifesavers™, 1 piece of paper, 2 paper clips, tape, and scissors.
Ramp it Up
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In this activity, learners will build ramps and test how the laws of physics apply do different objects. Learners will explore physics and cause and effect through this activity.
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.
Make a Mobile!
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In this activity, learners make mobiles to explore the concepts of balance, counterbalance, weight, and counterweight.