Search Results
Showing results 1 to 19 of 19
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-178.png?itok=sHk61bRz)
Lean, Mean Information Machine: Using a Simple Model to Learn about Chromosomal DNA
Source Institutions
Learners observe a model of a cell and its chromosomal DNA made from a plastic egg and dental floss. Use this model to illustrate how much DNA is held in one cell.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-540.png?itok=bSAm2oU4)
Boomerang
Source Institutions
Learners trace, cut out and fly a boomerang, outdoors or in a large indoor space.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-739.jpg?itok=JPNfW83I)
Exploring the Universe: Exoplanet Transits
Source Institutions
In "Exploring the Universe: Exoplanet Transits," participants simulate one of the methods scientists use to discover planets orbiting distant stars.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-533.jpg?itok=0ryyd8Ig)
Helicopter Twirl
Source Institutions
Learners cut and fold a paper helicopter from the template in this PDF. They practice twirling the helicopter and observe what happens as they modify their tries.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-351.png?itok=qPiMAp5V)
Be a Plumber
Source Institutions
In this activity (located on page 6 of the PDF), learners explore the ways people access water in their homes.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-137.jpg?itok=9kseIdi4)
Catapult
Source Institutions
Build a catapult that transforms the potential energy of a twisted rubber band into kinetic energy. Experiment with design variations so that you can hit a target with a projectile.
Giant Museum: Create a Scale Model
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will predict the size of a giant scale model of a comb or other rectangular object, then make one. If you tripled the size of a dollar bill, could you sit on it?
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-463.png?itok=fcIQUMfc)
Morning Star and Evening Star
Source Institutions
This demonstration activity models how Venus appears from Earth.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-986.png?itok=dYfNMN9R)
Making Vocal Cords
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners imitate the way vocal cords work by building a model from a plastic cup, rubber band, and a straw.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-740.jpg?itok=AD7iFfZs)
Exploring the Solar System: Stomp Rockets
Source Institutions
In "Exploring the Solar System: Stomp Rockets," participants learn about how some rockets carry science tools—not scientists—into space, and how a special kind of rocket called "sounding rockets" can
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-491.jpg?itok=-ZrTquf8)
Paper Bridges
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build bridges using paper and explore how much weight each bridge design can support.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-205.png?itok=UMZp-jLS)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-613.png?itok=BINkxQBY)
Pop Rockets
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make film canister rocket ships. A fin pattern is glued onto the outside of the canister, and fuel (water and half an antacid tablet) is mixed inside the canister.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-764.jpg?itok=FxxO-psV)
Make a Heart Valve
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make a model of a one-way heart valve to investigate how a heart controls the direction of blood flow.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-076.png?itok=2jaw4tK7)
Special Effects: Titanic and Beyond
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners investigate how geometry plays a role in perspective.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-459.png?itok=5JGUc3Lo)
Kepler Paper Model
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a paper model of the spacecraft and photometer (telescope) used during NASA's Kepler Mission.
Building Houses: Build a Cardboard Tube House
Source Institutions
Build a house you can fit inside, using cardboard tubes.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-472.png?itok=nx2MwKDW)
Rain Forest in Your Room
Source Institutions
This activity (on pages 19-24) introduces learners to the rain forest's layers—emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor—and has learners make paper lianas (vines that live attached to trees) and
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-206.png?itok=1ER1UEii)
Target Practice
Source Institutions
In this dynamic activity, learners build a catapult that launches projectiles, such as marshmallows.