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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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Liquid Body Armor
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics.
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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.
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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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The Electric Squeeze
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo about piezoelectricity, learners discover how some crystals produce electricity when squeezed.
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Nano Ice Cream
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo, learners discover how liquid nitrogen cools a creamy mixture at such a rapid rate that it precipitates super fine grained (nano) ice cream.
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Smart Domino Tricks
Source Institutions
In this activity, you take regular dominoes, and turn them into conductive switches that can turn on a LEGO RCX block or Pico Cricket (micro controller). LEGO RCX block or Pico Cricket is required.
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Musical Sculpting Machine: Squeeze Play-Doh to Make Music
Source Institutions
Play-Doh is conductive! Use the semiconductive qualities of Play-Doh to make your own squeezable instrument. Pico Cricket is required.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-516.jpg?itok=OohLFBP-)
Exploring Size: Scented Balloons
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use their sense of smell to explore the world on the nanoscale.
Stranded
Source Institutions
What's a more compelling problem to solve than being stranded on a deserted island?
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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.
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Edible Glass
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover the principles of edible glass by making a supersaturated sugar solution.
Ships Ahoy!
Source Institutions
Design a vessel that tests the limits of wind power given a set of off the shelf and recycled materials.
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Mini Tree House Build
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and build a miniature tree house in a potted plant. This activity uses engineering concepts to encourage creativity.
Happy City
Source Institutions
Make a model city happier with LEDs, circuits, motors, and batteries! Groups can think, discuss, design, and build what would make a community happy. Kids can work as part of a team or on their own.
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Musical Ice: How to Make an Ice Theremin
Source Institutions
Build a musical ice theremin by programming a micro controller, like a Pico Cricket to respond to resistance generated by the ice melting, or the ice being touched.
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Engineer A Bird Feeder
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners of all ages will design a functional bird feeder using familiar, every day materials.
Soaring Satellites
Source Institutions
Using a vertical wind tube and using simple materials, individuals and groups attempt to design a "satellite" that floats for at least 5 seconds.
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Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine
Source Institutions
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.
Making An Impact!
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 14 of PDF), learners use a pan full of flour and some rocks to create a moonscape.