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In this activity, learners consider how a simple machine, a lever, turns a small push or pull (a small force) into a larger--or stronger--push or pull (a larger force).

Learners experiment with a commercially available liquid-crystal coaster. They warm the material with their hands for varying lengths of time and observe the changing colors that result.

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

In this activity, learners construct a paper glider to experiment with aerodynamic forces.

Using simple materials from around the house and recycled materials, learners will engineer a grabber device to pick up and put down objects that are at least 12 inches away.

In this activity, learners build a speedboat using paint paddles, a propeller, and film canister. Learners attach a simple circuit and motor to the boat to power the propellers.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a rubber band-powered rover that can scramble across the room.

Using paper, paper clips, an index card, and tape, teams of learners design flying devices to (1) stay in the air as long as possible and (2) land as close as possible to a given target.

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

In this activity, learners build magnetic towers to explore the forces and properties of magnets.

In this activity, learners will build a stomp-powered launcher to blast off paper rockets they design. Materials can be found at a local hardware store or you may already have them at home.

Learners experiment with a piece of Silly Putty® by stretching, bouncing, and snapping it. They then create flubber, a similar substance, by mixing diluted glue and a solution of sodium borate.

In this activity, learners concoct some stretchy green goo called Gak. This activity will introduce learners to polymers, chemical reactions, and how scientists invent new materials.

In this activity, learners build rockets and shoot them into the air by stomping on the plastic bottle launchers.

In this activity, learners construct a traditional handicraft toy that illustrates a motion commonly associated with violins and earthquakes.

In this activity, learners construct a simple air pressure launcher for paper rockets.

In this design challenge, learners will create their own roller coaster using household objects for the track and a marble or small ball as their cart.

This activity (on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Sailboat Design Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into design optimization.

In this activity, learners design a device to solve a problem: how to get a ball out of a drain pipe.

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