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Avalanche
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In this geology activity, learners create a model using a mixture of salt and sand inside a CD case. When the case is tilted or inverted, the mixture dramatically sorts into a layered pattern.
Space Stations: Bones of Contention
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In this activity, learners make models representing bones on Earth and bones that have been in space. They discover what happens to bones without proper exercise and nutrition.
Electric Paddle Boat
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In this activity, learners build an electric two-paddle boat using paint paddles, plastic knives, and empty water bottles.
Sled Kite
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In this activity, learners build a sled kite that models a type of airfoil called a parawing.
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.
Make a Model Caldera
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In this quick activity (page 2 of PDF under GPS: Lava Flow Activity), learners will model how large depressions near the top of a volcano are formed by using an inflating and deflating balloon submerg
Submarine: Soda Cup Lander
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In this activity (on page 2), learners create a submarine using a plastic cup. This is a fun way to learn about buoyancy and density.
Deep Sea Diver
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In this ocean engineering activity, learners explore buoyancy and water displacement. Then, learners design models of deep sea divers that are neutrally buoyant.
Build a Big Wheel
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In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed big wheels or Ferris wheels.
Reusable Rockets
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This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Garbology Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization using recycled materials.
Engineer an Octopus Suction Pad
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In this engineering design challenge, learners build an octopus-inspired suction pad that can grab an object and hold it tightly in the air.
Engineer an Aeolipile
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In this engineering design challenge, learners build an air-powered spinning machine.
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.
Hand Spin Helicopter
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In this activity, learners build helicopters and launchers using wooden dowels and scrap paper. Use this activity to explore rotational motion and kinetic and potential energy.
Bottle Cars
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In this activity, learners explore motion, energy, and electricity by constructing bottle cars that run on motors.
As Straight as a Pole
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In this engineering activity (page 3 of PDF), young learners investigate how a pole can be made stable by “planting” its base in the ground or adding supports to the base.
Up, Up and Away with Bottles
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In this activity, learners make water rockets to explore Newton's Third Law of Motion. Learners make the rockets out of plastic bottles and use a bicycle pump to pump them with air.
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.
Paddle Boat
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In this activity, learners build an old-fashioned paddle boat out of simple materials.
Glider
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In this activity, learners construct a paper glider to experiment with aerodynamic forces.