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

Cupcake Delivery
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In this design challenge, learners will create wind-powered contraptions to transport a load, such as a cupcake or another small object, and test to see if they work.

Draft Detectives
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In this two part activity, learners become draft detectives by constructing their own draft catchers to detect drafts around windows or doors.

What is Nanotechnology?
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In this activity related to nanotechnology, learners observe some of the effects that result from creating a thin layer of material several nanometers thick.

Positive Planning Adds Up
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In this drawing/mapping activity, learners design plots of land while incorporating positive strategies for improving water quality.

Rotational Equilibrium
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In this activity, learners explore the concept of rotational equilibrium. Learners work in teams to estimate and determine the force within a mobile design.

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

Scribbling Machines
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In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.

Glitter Slime
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In this activity on page 8 of the PDF, learners make a slimy substance very similar to mucus, and sprinkle it with glitter to imitate the way that allergens are trapped.

Wind Tunnel
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Scientists use enormous wind tunnels to test the design of planes, helicopters, even the Space Shuttle.

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

Make Your Own Paper
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The Chinese invented paper made from plants and cloth about 2,000 years ago. Learners follow a similar process to make paper from recycled paper.

Marshmallow Catapult
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In this activity, learners explore physics by building a catapult that launches marshmallows with household objects.

Building A Storm Drain
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In this design challenge, learners design a storm drain cover that catches litter to protect waterways to learn about how local actions can have system-level effects.

Building Bridges
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In this activity, learners explore the engineering design process and the basic mechanics behind building bridges as they build one themselves using gumdrops and toothpicks.

Design and Build a Wind Vane
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In this activity, learners design and build a simple wind vane —one of the oldest kinds of weather tools— and use it to show wind direction.

Cardboard Automata
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Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.

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

Trophy Triathlon
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In this activity, learners are challenged to design and construct a trophy for prize-winning sports equipment.

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