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Showing results 1 to 16 of 16
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How Many Pennies?
Source Institutions
In this activity (pages 13-14), learners investigate the properties of smart materials, which are materials that respond to things that happen around them.
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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.
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Apartment Buildings and More
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity, young learners investigate multi-level buildings.
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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.
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Building with Wonderful Junk
Source Institutions
In this activity (page 4), learners work in groups to plan and build large structures using recyclable materials they have brought from home.
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Speedy Shelter
Source Institutions
In this design challenge activity, learners invent an emergency shelter that can fit a person and is sturdy and quick to build.
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Building Tall
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity (page 2 of PDF), young learners investigate how a wide base can make a building more stable. Learners use blocks or boxes of different sizes to construct stable towers.
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Cup Towers
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore different ways to stack cups to meet a personal goal.
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Milk Carton Boats
Source Institutions
This activity (on page 2 of the PDF SciGirls Activity: Milk Carton Boat) is a full inquiry investigation into boat hull design.