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Small Worlds
Source Institutions
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.

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!
Source Institutions
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.

Hail Storm House
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In this activity, learners construct hail-proof houses using recycled materials to discuss storm readiness and safety.
Build a Bridge
Source Institutions
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.

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.

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.

Stack 'Em Up
Source Institutions
In this simple and fun activity, learners build a tower of cups to explore distribution of weight. Learners make predictions about their towers and test their designs.

Sticky Structures
Source Institutions
In this engineering/design/arts and crafts activity, learners design and build "platforms" or "bridges" that can hold weight, and test which glue makes the strongest structure.

Marshmallow Models
Source Institutions
No glue is needed for learners of any age to become marshmallow architects or engineers.

Ramps 2: Ramp Builder
Source Institutions
In this inquiry-based learning activity, learners design, build, and test their own ramps. They are introduced to a variety of materials and explore putting them together.

Elevator Engineering
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In this activity, learners will use household items to design and build an elevator that will carry 2 passengers to a height of 16 inches...or higher!

Geodesic Gumdrops: Candy and Toothpick Architecture
Source Institutions
This hands-on activity shows you how to build basic architectural shapes out of toothpicks and gumdrops.
Parachute Design
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners design and build their own parachute using household materials with the goal of landing their passenger safely on a target.