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Magnetic Spinner & Compass
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Learners use shop tools and various materials to construct a magnetic spinner and a compass.
Tops
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In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.
Matraca
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In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.
Zig Zag Bopper
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In this activity, learners build a machine made of craft sticks to multiply the levering motion of their hands and create a device that bends and extends.
Fused Plastic Wallet
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In this up-cycling activity, learners recycle plastic bags and repurpose them into useful wallets.
Kaleidoscope
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In this activity, learners build inexpensive kaleidoscopes using transparency paper and foil (instead of mirrors).
Micro Automata
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In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.
Lever Cowboy
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In this activity, learners build a figure that moves and "comes to life" when they pull its string.
Hot Air Balloon
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In this activity, learners build a hot air balloon using just a few sheets of tissue paper and a hair dryer.
Seashell Journal
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In this activity, learners make homemade journals featuring seashell rubbings. First, learners transfer the texture of a seashell onto a piece of paper using a crayon.
Buzzing Bee
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In this activity, learners explore sound by constructing an instrument toy that buzzes when you swing it.
Bobbing Eyeballs
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In this activity, learners use simple materials and basic tools to construct a special toy to explore pendulums. As the head of the toy bobs one way, the eyeballs bob the other way.
Magnetic Seesaw
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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets.
Canjo
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In this activity, learners explore sound by constructing their very own banjo out of a coffee can. Learners experiment with the canjo to change the instrument's pitch and timbre.
Woodpecker
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In this activity, learners construct a traditional handicraft toy that illustrates a motion commonly associated with violins and earthquakes.
Cranking Bird
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In this activity, learners build a mini crank machine to make a bird "fly." This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams.
Floating Head Cup
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In this activity, learners watch a figure "magically" float up through the air.
Spinning Illusions
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In this activity, learners construct three optical illusion toys to examine how our brains play tricks on what we see.
Geometry Construction: Polyhedral Playthings
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In this activity, learners create 3D geometric shapes using straws and pipe cleaners.
Electromagnetic Dancer: Connect Her Up and Watch Her Dance!
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In this activity, learners use a nail and magnet wire to build an electromagnet, which controls the movements of a paper dancer.