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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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Universal Indicator Rainbow Trout
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners cut out a fish and then "paint" it using universal indicator and acids and bases.
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Pinball Wizard
Source Institutions
In this hands-on engineering project, kids use two simple machines, levers and inclined planes, to construct their own pinball machines.
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Canine House of Cards
Source Institutions
This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit.
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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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Crank It Up
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.
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Set It Straight
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple tabletop seesaw to test how different variables (the position of the fulcrum, distance, weight) affect its balance under increasing weight loads.
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Toy Chemistry
Source Institutions
In this playful, goopy activity, learners mix two liquids to create a solid (that sometimes acts like a liquid ), using basic household materials such as borax and glue.
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Eye Spy
Source Institutions
This fun activity uses simple materials such as milk cartons and mirrors to introduce the ideas of optics and visual perception.
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Action Figure
Source Institutions
In this project, students explore how levers work, by making a puppet with moving limbs.
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Disappearing Statues
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 8), learners model how marble statues and buildings are affected by acid rain.
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Chemistry Is Colorful
Source Institutions
In "Chemistry is Colorful" learners explore different materials through paper chromatography.
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Cooking With the Sun
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple solar oven out of household materials to melt chocolate and marshmallow between graham crackers--known as s'mores.
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Kinetic Sculpture
Source Institutions
In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that’s at least 12 inches high with two or more parts that move (spin, sway, or flap) in the wind.
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What's the Buzz?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners construct a playable kazoo from inexpensive materials. They will experience how vibration creates sound waves and music.
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Motion Picture
Source Institutions
During this hands-on activity, learners are briefly exposed to moviemaking and animation, when they create their own thaumatropes.
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Go Fly a Kite
Source Institutions
In this hands-on activity, children create their own kites that can fly indoors. Learners are exposed to basic concepts of gravity and air resistance.
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Nature of Dye
Source Institutions
"Nature of Dye" allows participants to create their own dyes and art while exploring how chemicals interact and how these interactions can have real-world applications.