Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 32
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.
Sled Kite
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a sled kite that models a type of airfoil called a parawing.
Pyramids and Triangles
Source Institutions
Straws and pipe cleaners are terrific materials for building models of pyramids and cubes.
Crazy Shapes
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners cut a shape into two equal sized pieces and use their knowledge of geometry and space to prove that the two parts are equal.
Giant Museum: Create a Scale Model
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will predict the size of a giant scale model of a comb or other rectangular object, then make one. If you tripled the size of a dollar bill, could you sit on it?
Earth's Water: A Drop in Your Cup
Source Institutions
This creative lesson plan provides a visual way for learners to gain knowledge about the finite amount of fresh water on Earth and encourages the discussion of the various ways to conserve this resour
Pocket Solar System: Make a Scale Model
Source Institutions
This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners build a scale model of the universe with little more than adding machine tape.
Biobarcodes: Antibodies and Nanosensors
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo, learners investigate biobarcodes, a nanomedical technology that allows for massively parallel testing that can assist with disease diagnosis.
Full of Hot Air: Hot Air Balloon Building
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a model of a hot air balloon using tissue paper and a hairdryer. Educators can use this activity to introduce learners to density and its role in why things float.
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.
Clay Beams and Columns
Source Institutions
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.
Modeling the Night Sky
Source Institutions
In this two-part activity, learners explore the Earth and Sun's positions in relation to the constellations of the ecliptic with a small model.
Atoms and Matter (K-2)
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore atoms as the smallest building blocks of matter. With adult help, learners start by dividing play dough in half, over and over again.
Build a Bridge
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use recycled materials to build a bridge that holds as many potatoes as possible. They investigate weight, height, strength, and measurement as they seek design solutions.
Fossil Dig Site
Source Institutions
In this activity (located on page 5 of PDF), learners work in groups to create dig sites for display.
Black Holes: No Escape
Source Institutions
This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners experiment with marbles and weights to discover some basics about gravity and black holes.
Garden Poles
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build large-scale structures and cantilevers in a series of "building out" challenges with garden poles and tape.
Topographic Investigation: Map an Underwater Surface
Source Institutions
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.
The Power of Togetherness
Source Institutions
In this activity about human anatomy (page 16 of PDF), learners construct a model arm and discover how muscles and bones work together to achieve efficient movement.
Make a Dinosaur
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the size and scale of dinosaurs. Learners listen to "Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs" by Byron Barton to understand some background information about dinosaurs.