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Launch It
Add to list DetailsIn this design challenge activity, learners use a balloon and other simple materials to design an air-powered rocket that can hit a distant target.
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Build Your Own Robot Arm
Source Institutions
In this lesson, learners develop a robot arm using common materials. Learners explore design, construction, and teamwork, as well as materials selection and use.
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Helping Hand
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In this invention challenge activity, learners see how many objects they can grab with a homemade "bionic" arm.
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Silly Putty Investigation
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In this activity (located on page 7 of PDF), learners explore how Silly Putty was first invented and then attempt to make a batch of their own.
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Paddle Power
Source Institutions
In this design challenge, learners build a boat that paddles itself using a rubber band as its power source.
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Hidden Alarm
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In this design challenge activity, learners invent a device that will make their friends and family ask, "What's buzzing?" Learners design an alarm with an on/off switch that is small enough to hide.
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Push Pull Painter
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create painting machines that can paint moving forwards and backwards.
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Electric Gamebox Challenge
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In this design challenge activity, learners invent a pinball-like game where a kick stick hits a ping pong ball into a target that buzzes.
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On Target
Source Institutions
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.
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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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Dance Pad Mania
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Make your own "Dance Dance Revolution" dance pad! In this design challenge activity, learners work in teams to build a dance pad that lets you use your feet to sound a buzzer or flash a light.
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Zip Line
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a device to carry a Ping-Pong ball from the top of a zip line to the bottom in four seconds (or less!).
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Sky Glider Challenge
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In this design challenge activity, learners use two helium-filled balloons to build a blimp that can travel in a straight path across the room.
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Watercraft
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a boat that can hold 25 pennies (or 15 one inch metal washers) for at least ten seconds before sinking.
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High Rise
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan.
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Touch Down
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a shock-absorbing system that will protect two “astronauts” when they land.
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Confetti Launcher
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Hooray! In this design challenge activity, learners invent a device that launches a spoonful of confetti into the air. Learners are encouraged to create the biggest cloud of confetti possible.
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Convenient Carrier
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In this design challenge activity, learners invent a convenient way for someone using crutches or a wheelchair to carry small personal items.
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Cup Draw (Low Tech)
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In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a battery pack. The markers act as "legs" for the machine, making a drawing that records as it moves.
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Cup Draw
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners construct drawing machines using a cup, some markers, and a cricket to control the movement. A programmed LEGO RCX or Cricket is required for this high-tech version.