Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 23

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

Rocket Launchers
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners work with an adult to build a rocket and launcher out of a plastic 2-liter bottle, flexible plastic hose, plastic tubing, toilet paper tube, and duct tape.

Creepy Crawlers
Source Institutions
Trick your family and friends with this creepy crawler that moves up and down. In this activity, learners construct a circuit and motor device that will move a homemade spider in a spooky way.

Motorized Balancing Toy
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a toy that flies in circles. This activity introduces learners to center of mass, torque, and rotational motion.

Motor Bird
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a bird that flies in place with help from a motor, wire, and some straws.

Gymnast
Source Institutions
In this physics activity, learners build a toy with a figure that spins around like a gymnast on the high bar.

Airboat
Source Institutions
In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air.

FlyBy Math: Distance-Rate-Time Problems in Air Traffic Control
Source Institutions
In this small-group activity, learners assume the roles of pilots, air traffic controllers, and NASA scientists to solve five Air Traffic Control (ATC) problems.

Make a Mobile!
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make mobiles to explore the concepts of balance, counterbalance, weight, and counterweight.

Sound Automata
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build their own sound machines and explore the interplay of motion and sound.

Stomp Rocket
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build rockets and shoot them into the air by stomping on the plastic bottle launchers.

Finger Basketball
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts using cardboard and measuring spoons. Use this activity to introduce learners to catapults, forces, and levers.

Roller Coaster Design
Source Institutions
This activity (on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Roller Coaster Design Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into g-force and acceleration.

No-Slip Grip
Source Institutions
In this physical sciences activity, learners explore friction. Learners investigate the factors that affect the force required to move an object.

Rubber Band Boat
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build styrofoam boats powered by twisted rubber bands.

Give Me a Brake
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion.

Magnetic Pendulum
Source Institutions
In this activity about magnetism (page 15 of the PDF), learners will explore how opposite and similar magnetic poles affect a swinging (pendulum) magnet.

Playing with Parachutes
Source Institutions
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.

Magnetic Marble Run
Source Institutions
Learners explore magnetism and motion as they build a simple marble run. Learners test different arrangements of plastic and cardboard tubes, bottles, and cups on a magnetic board.

Crank It Up
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.