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Carousel Pump
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.
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Linkages
Source Institutions
This design challenge is an open-ended exploration of linkages, a group of parts connected by hinges, and the types of motion they can create.
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Exploring Materials: Nano Gold
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that nanoparticles of gold can appear red, orange or even blue. They learn that a material can act differently when it’s nanometer-sized.
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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.
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Magnetic Spinner & Compass
Source Institutions
Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.
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Tops
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.
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Draft Detectives
Source Institutions
In this two part activity, learners become draft detectives by constructing their own draft catchers to detect drafts around windows or doors.
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Box Ecology
Source Institutions
This great "re-use it" activity will demonstrate how to transform a greeting card into a box. Once constructed, the box can have many uses like holding special notes or keepsakes.
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Engineering For Earthquakes
Source Institutions
In this design challenge, learners will engineer a structure and see if it can survive an earthquake they create.
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African Arts
Source Institutions
In this two-day activity (on pages 16-22), learners use a process like that of the Yoruba people of Nigeria to create an African symbol on cloth.
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Boomerang
Source Institutions
Learners trace, cut out and fly a boomerang, outdoors or in a large indoor space.
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Matraca
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.
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Zig Zag Bopper
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a machine made of craft sticks to multiply the levering motion of their hands and create a device that bends and extends.
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Marble Game
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners construct a simple game to test their hand-eye coordination and steadiness of hand.
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Fused Plastic Wallet
Source Institutions
In this up-cycling activity, learners recycle plastic bags and repurpose them into useful wallets.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-653.png?itok=69YhohO-)
Kinetic Sculpture: Program the Pico Cricket to Make Your Art Light Up or Spin
Source Institutions
Use a Pico Cricket (micro-controller) to animate your art! You can program a Pico Cricket to make your art spin, light up, or make music.
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Build Your Own Robot Arm
Source Institutions
In this lesson, learners develop a robot arm using common materials. Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork, as well as materials selection and use.
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Iridescent Art
Source Institutions
This is a quick activity (on page 2 of the PDF under Butterfly Wings Activity) that illustrates how nanoscale structures, so small they're practically invisible, can produce visible/colorful effects.
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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.
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Make a Garbage Bag Kite
Source Institutions
Make a kite out of a garbage bag, shower curtain, painting tarp--anything light, thin, flexible and plastic!