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If a sailboat is stranded because there is no wind, is it possible to set up a fan on deck and blow wind into the sail to make the boat move?

In this activity, learners construct their own small catapults using simple materials. Learners follow visual instructions to build their launching device.

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.

In this activity, learners use tinfoil to build and test their own boats - which designs will float, and which will sink?

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.

Learners work in pairs to create three simple types of bridges, a beam bridge, an arch bridge, and a suspension bridge.

This activity guide includes instructions on how to build a "Shake Table" by mounting an eccentric mass (off center) on the shaft of a small dc motor.

In this activity, learners work in teams to investigate the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force as described in Newton's second law of motion.

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.

In this activity, learners explore moving air and the physics of lift and drag by constructing homemade wind tunnels.

In this geology activity learners build a "squeeze box," which allows them to compress layers of sediment. This is a great way to investigate folding and faulting in the Earth.

Investigate how force and thrust work to propel rockets into outer space. Build a rocket: a blown-up balloon taped to a drinking straw threaded through some string.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan.

In this activity, learners create air cannons out of everyday materials. Learners use their air cannons to investigate air as a force and air pressure.

In this activity, learners build a miniature wind tunnel to measure force. Learners construct the model out of Lexan plastic, a fan, and a precise digital scale.

In this activity related to Newton's Laws of Motion, learners build a boat powered by a propeller in the air.

In this activity, learners build their own construction cranes using tongue depressors and pushpins.

Learners explore the field of civil engineering by making a bridge using spaghetti as their primary building material.

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).

In this activity, learners explore work, forces, simple machines, and construction. This lesson guide includes simple ways to demonstrate these principles as well as hands-on activities.