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Cupcake Delivery
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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.
Homemade Hovercraft!
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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Hovercraft) is a full inquiry investigation into hovercraft engineering and design optimization.
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.
Marshmallow Models
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No glue is needed for learners of any age to become marshmallow architects or engineers.
Build a Rocket - and a Launch Pad!
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In this activity, learners construct a rocket powered by the pressure generated from an effervescing antacid tablet reacting with water, and build a launch pad for their rocket.
Building Bridges
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In this activity, learners explore the engineering design process and the basic mechanics behind building bridges as they build one themselves using gumdrops and toothpicks.
Stack 'Em Up
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In this simple and fun activity, learners build a tower of cups to explore distribution of weight. Learners make predictions about their towers and test their designs.
Build a Bridge
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In this activity, learners use design thinking to design and build their own bridge out of household materials including adhesives and/or connectors.
Sticky Structures
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In this engineering/design/arts and crafts activity, learners design and build "platforms" or "bridges" that can hold weight, and test which glue makes the strongest structure.
Design a Grabbing Tool
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Using simple materials from around the house and recycled materials, learners will engineer a grabber device to pick up and put down objects that are at least 12 inches away.
Building Houses: Build a Cardboard Tube House
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Build a house you can fit inside, using cardboard tubes.
Build a Better Roof
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In this activity, learners will engineer a roof using simple materials to protect a construction paper person from a rainstorm.
Roller Coasters
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In this design challenge, learners will create their own roller coaster using household objects for the track and a marble or small ball as their cart.
Geodesic Gumdrops: Candy and Toothpick Architecture
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This hands-on activity shows you how to build basic architectural shapes out of toothpicks and gumdrops.
Elevator Engineering
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In this activity, learners will use household items to design and build an elevator that will carry 2 passengers to a height of 16 inches...or higher!
Roller Coasters
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In this activity learners will build roller coasters and test them using small balls or marbles.
Build a Bridge
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In this activity, learners use recycled materials to build a bridge that holds as many potatoes as possible. They investigate weight, height, strength, and measurement as they seek design solutions.
Mini Tree House Build
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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.
Draggin' Boats
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Learners design, build, and test models of "dragon boats" made from up to three milk cartons.
DIY Weather Vane
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In this activity, learners will engineer their own weather vane. This activity includes step-by-step instructions with pictures and a "What's Happening?" section explaining how the activity worked.