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Carousel Pump
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In this activity, learners build a carousel toy that spins when pushed down.
Tops
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In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.
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).
Crank It Up
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In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.
Get It Write
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In this activity, learners explore how pens have been engineered and re-engineered over time. Learners work as a team to develop a working pen out of everyday items.
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.
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.
Kites
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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Kites) is a full inquiry investigation into how a kite’s shape affects its performance.
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.
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.
Kinetic Sculpture
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that’s at least 12 inches high with two or more parts that move (spin, sway, or flap) in the wind.
Opti-Top
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In this activity, learners will create an optical illusion top. Learners will explore color mixing, physics and design through this activity.
Magnetic Seesaw
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In this activity, learners build a seesaw powered by magnets.
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.
Drawing Board
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The Drawing Board consists of a marking pen that remains stationary and a platform that swings beneath the pen, acting as a pendulum.