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Lifting with Levers!
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In this fun hands-on activity learners explore a simple machine: the lever. What happens to a load when you multiply the length of a lever? Find out here!
Going for a Spin: Making a Model Steam Turbine
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In this activity, learners explore how various energy sources can be used to cause a turbine to rotate.
Make a Comeback Can
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Learners build a can that automatically returns after being rolled away. The can has a rubber band inside that stores energy as the can rolls one direction.
Pop Bottle Whirligig
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Learn about friction and kinetic energy with this cool spinning toy.
Micro Automata
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In this activity, learners build small animated toys that move.
Geothermal Power Plant Model
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In this activity, learners make a model of a power plant that uses steam. Learners use simple materials like foil, a tin can, and a pot of water to model a geothermal power plant.
Paddle Boat
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In this activity, learners build an old-fashioned paddle boat out of simple materials.
"Baseketball": A Physicist Party Trick
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This trick from Exploratorium physicist Paul Doherty lets you add together the bounces of two balls and send one ball flying.
Raceways
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In this activity, learners build a model roller coaster to help the Mummy entertain the Atom's Family monsters. Learners assemble the roller coaster between two chairs using vinyl ceiling molding.
Waves and Tides
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In this 7-10 day investigation, learners develop an understanding of waves and tides and their motion through discussion, demonstration, and hands-on activities.
Woodpecker
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In this activity, learners construct a traditional handicraft toy that illustrates a motion commonly associated with violins and earthquakes.
Cranking Bird
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In this activity, learners build a mini crank machine to make a bird "fly." This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams.
Ramp it Up
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In this activity, learners will build ramps and test how the laws of physics apply do different objects. Learners will explore physics and cause and effect through this activity.
A Simple Escapement Mechanism
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In this activity, learners build a simple mechanism that regulates the "escape" of energy released by a falling weight by portioning it into discrete amounts.
Where Does the Wind Blow?
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In this activity, learners investigate wind by comparing the force of wind in different locations. Learners build wind-o-meters out of wooden sticks and strips of paper.
Rollin’ Rollin' Rollin'
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In this physics activity (page 12 of the PDF), learners explore potential and kinetic energy by rolling different sized marbles down an inclined plane.
Homemade Rube Goldberg Machine
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In this fun and, at times, hilarious force and motion activity, learners will use household objects to build a crazy contraption and see how far they can get a tennis ball to move.
Spool Racer
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In this physics activity, challenge learners to make a rubber band-powered spool racer. Demonstrate principles of motion as well as potential and kinetic energy.
Earthquake Energy
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In this geology activity (page 3 of the PDF), learners simulate an earthquake with little more than an elastic band and drinking straws.
A Model Nuclear Power Plant Steam Turbine
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In this activity (on pages 20-23 of PDF), learners build a model of a power plant using simple materials.