Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 25

Linkages
Source Institutions
This design challenge is an open-ended exploration of linkages, a group of parts connected by hinges, and the types of motion they can create.

The Shape of Floatation
Source Institutions
In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Sailboat Design Activity), learners will discover how the shape of an object, not just its weight, determines whether it floats or sinks.

Life Size: What's in a microbe?
Source Institutions
In this activity on page 3 of the PDF, learners visualize the relative size and structural differences between microbes that have the potential to cause disease.

Brick Drop Challenge
Source Institutions
In this design challenge, leaners attempt to build a strong structure out of LEGO® bricks that can withstand a 4-foot drop.

Strengthen a Paper Bridge
Source Institutions
In this quick activity (page 1 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Tug O' War), learners will test how many pennies a flat paper index card bridging the gap between two stacks of books is able to supp

As Straight as a Pole
Source Institutions
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.

Designing a Wall
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity (page 5 of PDF), young learners investigate how materials and design contribute to the strength of a structure, particularly walls.

Stop the Stretching
Source Institutions
Learners work with plastic sheeting, masking tape, and string to design the perfect material for plastic chair webbing, and then construct their webbing.

Foam Tower
Source Institutions
In this activity (page 1 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Water Slides), learners will whip up some suds with a cup of water and a tablespoon of dish soap until the bubbles are stiff enough to star

Three Little Pigs Construction Company
Source Institutions
In this activity about problem-solving, learners build a house for the Three Little Pigs using twenty straws and two index cards.

Build A Treetop Walkway
Source Institutions
Build and test a scale model of a rainforest canopy walkway.

Critical Load
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concepts of structural engineering and how to measure the critical load, or the maximum weight a structure can bear.
Leaves: Designing Leaf Arrangements on a Branch
Source Institutions
In this hands-on activity, learners investigate the functional design of leaves on a tree.
Dowels and Rubber Bands I
Source Institutions
If you have 3-foot dowels and rubber bands, you can can started on this fun and open design challenge. You can make structures big and small: make it so you can fit your parent into it!

High Rise
Source Institutions
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.

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.

The Squeeze is On
Source Institutions
Each group of learners uses everyday materials, such as paper, toothpicks, and tape to design and construct a structure intended to support the weight of a cinder block for 30 seconds.

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

Apartment Buildings and More
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity, young learners investigate multi-level buildings.

Balsa Towers
Source Institutions
Learners work in groups to design and build a tower out of balsa wood. As a motivator, they can compete to build a tower with the highest strength-to-weight ratio.