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This lesson focuses on how materials behave differently as their surface area increases.

Learners test two jars containing soil, one covered and one open, for changes in temperature. After placing the jars in the Sun, learners discover that the covered jar cools down more slowly.

Learners investigate the concept of humidity by using a dry and wet sponge as a model. They determine a model for 100% humidity, a sponge saturated with water.

Learners use red cabbage juice and pH indicator paper to test the acidity and basicity of household materials. The activity links this concept of acids and bases to acid rain and other pollutants.

This activity lets you program your 'robot' (a willing friend) to pick up and dispose of some 'toxic waste' using as few commands as possible.

In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.

In this archaeology activity, learners consider ways in which excavating an underwater site is different from excavating a terrestrial site.

Learners test two jars, one containing plain air and one containing carbon dioxide gas, to see their reactions to temperature changes.

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.

In this design challenge, learners use their creativity and imagination to design and test a wildlife crossing for their favorite animal.

In this multi-part activity learners examine non-point water pollution.

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.

In this demonstration, learners discover that nanoparticles behave differently, in part because they have a high surface area to volume ratio.

In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Sailboat Design Activity), learners will discover how the shape of an object, not just its weight, determines whether it floats or sinks.

In this activity, learners work with an adult to build a rocket and launcher out of a plastic 2-liter bottle, flexible plastic hose, plastic tubing, toilet paper tube, and duct tape.

In this activity (on page 2 of PDF under GPS: Roller Coaster Design Activity), learners will use food cans of many different properties (sizes, shapes, and weights) and set two cans on their sides at

This activity (on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Baseball Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into how "bounciness" relates to the distance a ball will fly when hit off a batting tee.

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.

Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.

Visitors add drops of copper sulfate solution onto a steel nail. They observe the nail change color from silver to brown as the copper plates onto the nail.