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Fold a Crystal
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Rocks are made of minerals, and minerals often have crystal shapes. In this fun activity about geometry in nature, learners create their own crystal shapes out of paper.
Lean, Mean Information Machine: Using a Simple Model to Learn about Chromosomal DNA
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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.
Modeling Day and Night
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In this activity (on page 1 of the PDF), learners make a "mini-globe" to investigate the causes of day and night on our planet.
Exploring Tools: Special Microscopes
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In this activity, learners use a flexible magnet as a model for a scanning probe microscope (SPM). They learn that SPMs are an example of a special tool that scientists use to work on the nanoscale.
Water Clean-up
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This is an activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under Water Clean-up Activity) about the use of reduction agents to decontaminate ground water.
Thinking in Three Dimensions
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In this activity, learners create three-dimensional shapes by making some origami models of simple boxes and containers.
Gumdrop Dome
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In this activity (located on pages 23-24 of the PDF), learners are introduced to structural engineering and encouraged to practice goal-oriented building.
The Pull of the Planets
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In this activity, learners model the gravitational fields of planets on a flexible surface.
Space Stations: Sponge Spool Spine
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In this activity, learners simulate what happens to a human spine in space by making Sponge Spool Spines (alternating sponge pieces and spools threaded on a pipe cleaner).
Dunking the Planets
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In this demonstration, learners compare the relative sizes and masses of scale models of the planets as represented by fruits and other foods.
Sled Kite
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In this activity, learners build a sled kite that models a type of airfoil called a parawing.
Going for a Spin: Making a Model Steam Turbine
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In this activity, learners explore how various energy sources can be used to cause a turbine to rotate.
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.
Build a Solar System
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In this activity, learners make a scale model of the Solar System and learn the real definition of "space." Learners use the online calculator to create an appropriate scale to use as a basis for thei
Construction and Destruction
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In this three/four-day lesson, learners calculate perimeters and areas and draw the castle plan to scale.
Pyramids and Triangles
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Straws and pipe cleaners are terrific materials for building models of pyramids and cubes.
Castle Basics
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In this four-day lesson, learners identify three-dimensional forms in castle design, research different parts of the castle with a focus on their uses, and design and enlarge a banner for the great ha
Living Bones, Strong Bones
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In this activity about engineering, nutrition, and physical activity, learners design and build a healthy bone model of a space explorer which is strong enough to withstand increasing amounts of weigh
Exploring Strange New Worlds
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This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners explore model planets (that they or an educator will create), using methods NASA scientists use to explore our Solar System.
Four Corners
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a machine out of cardboard that runs smoothly and dependably. Learners must be precise to make sure their component works properly.