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

Linkages
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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.

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.

Build Your Own Robot Arm
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In this lesson, learners develop a robot arm using common materials. Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork, as well as materials selection and use.

Catapult
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In this activity, learners construct their own small catapults using simple materials. Learners follow visual instructions to build their launching device.

Soaring Satellites
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Working in small teams, learners try to build a satellite that can float for at least five seconds in the marked area of a vertical wind tube.

Playing with Parachutes
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In this activity, learners explore how parachutes are used to slow down moving objects. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own parachutes out of everyday items.

Parabola Basketball
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In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts and explore the laws of physics. Learners discover that everything you throw or shoot on earth travels in a parabola.

Egg Drop
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Perform this classic inertia demonstration to illustrate the transfer of potential energy to kinetic energy.

Catapult
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Build a catapult that transforms the potential energy of a twisted rubber band into kinetic energy. Experiment with design variations so that you can hit a target with a projectile.

Build a Big Wheel
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In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed big wheels or Ferris wheels.

Newton's Cradle
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Build your own version of the classic physics toy using simple materials.

Tinkering with Tops
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In this activity, learners explore the history, design and motion of spinning tops. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own tops out of everyday items.

Hot Air Balloon
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In this activity, learners build a hot air balloon using just a few sheets of tissue paper and a hair dryer.

Newton Car
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In this activity, learners work in teams to investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force as described in Newton's second law of motion.

Visualizing How the Vestibular System Works
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In this activity (page 59 of the PDF), learners spin and observe false eyelashes in jars of water (prepared at least 1 day ahead of time) to investigate the effects of different types of motion on the

Speedboat
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In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.

On Target
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In this design challenge activity, learners modify a cup so it can carry a marble down a zip line and also drop it onto a target.

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.

Handheld Water Bottle Rocket & Launcher
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In this activity, learners build handheld rockets and launchers out of PVC pipes and plastic bottles. Use this activity to demonstrate acceleration, air pressure, and Newton's Laws of Motion.