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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.
Canine House of Cards
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This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit.
The Pull of the Planets
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In this activity, learners model the gravitational fields of planets on a flexible surface.
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).
Sled Kite
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In this activity, learners build a sled kite that models a type of airfoil called a parawing.
Living Bones, Strong Bones
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In this activity about engineering, nutrition, and physical activity, learners design and build a healthy bone model of a space explorer which is strong enough to withstand increasing amounts of weigh
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.
Catapult
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Build a catapult that transforms the potential energy of a twisted rubber band into kinetic energy. Experiment with design variations so that you can hit a target with a projectile.
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.
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.
Make a Balloon-powered Nanorover
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In this activity, learners build a nanorover model using styrofoam meat trays and a balloon.
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.
Designing a Wall
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In this engineering activity (page 5 of PDF), young learners investigate how materials and design contribute to the strength of a structure, particularly walls.
Jiggly Jupiter
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In this activity, learners build edible models of Jupiter and Earth to compare their sizes and illustrate the planets' internal layers.
Blow-and-Go Parachute
Learners make a skydiver and parachute contraption and launch it. They see that the drag created by air resistance slows the descent of skydivers as they travel back to Earth.
Exploring the Ocean with Robots
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In this activity, learners are introduced to robotic submarines called gliders. Learners make “gliders” from plastic syringes and compare these to Cartesian bottles and plastic bubbles.
Achieving Orbit
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In this Engineering Design Challenge activity, learners will use balloons to investigate how a multi-stage rocket, like that used in the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission, can propel a sat
Construction Technologies: Construct the Strongest Bridge
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Learners work in pairs to create three simple types of bridges, a beam bridge, an arch bridge, and a suspension bridge.