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

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.

Parabola Basketball
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In this activity, learners build mini-basketball courts and explore the laws of physics. Learners discover that everything you throw or shoot on earth travels in a parabola.

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.

Mini Zoetrope
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In this activity (posted on March 27, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a mini zoetrope, a device that produces an illusion of action from a rapid succession of static pictures.

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.

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.

Double Horn
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In this activity, learners explore sound by constructing their very own instruments using PVC pipes, soda bottles, and a straw.

Marble Drop Game
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Build your own version of a favorite carnival game, in which a marble races down a maze consisting of rows of nails.

Magnetic Seesaw
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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets.

Metallophone
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In this activity, learners explore sound by constructing an instrument using some metal pipes, rubber bands, and a baseboard.

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.

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

Floating Head Cup
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In this activity, learners watch a figure "magically" float up through the air.

Tube Zither
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In this activity, learners explore sound by constructing tube zithers, stringed instruments from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific.