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Small Worlds
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This is a simple activity fully driven by imagination. Using materials from the home, toys, or items from nature, learners create their own world to play with.
Cupcake Delivery
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In this design challenge, learners will create wind-powered contraptions to transport a load, such as a cupcake or another small object, and test to see if they work.
Homemade Hovercraft!
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This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Hovercraft) is a full inquiry investigation into hovercraft engineering and design optimization.
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.
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.
Feed the Birds
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Learners construct a bird feeder from re-used materials. After hanging their feeder, they keep a journal about what birds visit the feeder.
Build a Rocket - and a Launch Pad!
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In this activity, learners construct a rocket powered by the pressure generated from an effervescing antacid tablet reacting with water, and build a launch pad for their rocket.
Building Bridges
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In this activity, learners explore the engineering design process and the basic mechanics behind building bridges as they build one themselves using gumdrops and toothpicks.
Design a Grabbing Tool
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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.
Lego Man Jump
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In this activity, learners are challenged to create a parachute using easily sourced materials in order to transport a LEGO figure safely to the ground.
Wingin' It
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Learners explore the Bernoulli effect by building an airfoil (airplane wing) and making it fly.
Hail Storm House
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In this activity, learners construct hail-proof houses using recycled materials to discuss storm readiness and safety.
Mini Tree House Build
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In this activity, learners are challenged to design and build a miniature tree house in a potted plant. This activity uses engineering concepts to encourage creativity.
Draggin' Boats
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Learners design, build, and test models of "dragon boats" made from up to three milk cartons.
Build a Bridge
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In this activity, learners use recycled materials to build a bridge that holds as many potatoes as possible. They investigate weight, height, strength, and measurement as they seek design solutions.
Good Vibrations
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In this activity, learners create a sound visualizer from common materials to help see the vibrations created by sound. Sounds from a tone generator make salt dance on a vibrating balloon membrane.
Build a Better Roof
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In this activity, learners will engineer a roof using simple materials to protect a construction paper person from a rainstorm.
Roller Coasters
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In this activity learners will build roller coasters and test them using small balls or marbles.
DIY Weather Vane
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In this activity, learners will engineer their own weather vane. This activity includes step-by-step instructions with pictures and a "What's Happening?" section explaining how the activity worked.
Constellation Viewer
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In this activity, learners will explore what a constellation is and make their own.