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In this activity, learners create a model of a hot air balloon using tissue paper and a hairdryer. Educators can use this activity to introduce learners to density and its role in why things float.

In this activity, learners build a simple solar oven out of household materials to melt chocolate and marshmallow between graham crackers--known as s'mores.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers have developed sorting systems which integrate into manufacturing and packaging processes. Learners explore how coins are made.

In this activity, learners explore how product design differences can affect the success of a final product -- in this case a bag for holding candy.

In this activity, learners explore an everyday situation, where either of two or more buttons can ring a buzzer.

In this activity, learners explore the design of rubber band powered cars. Learners work in teams of "engineers" to design and build their own rubber band cars out of everyday items.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers work in a team to solve problems.

In this activity, learners construct hand-held altitude trackers. The device is a sighting tube with a marked water level that permits measurement of the inclination of the tube.

In this activity, learners explore surgical instrument design. Teams of learners construct surgical instruments from everyday materials.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of conducting or insulating electricity.

In this activity, learners explore electronics and motion by making a Scribbling Machine, a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path.

In this activity, learners count and measure kidney beans to explore natural selection and variation. Learners measure the length of 50-100 beans.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of rotational equilibrium. Learners work in teams to estimate and determine the force within a mobile design.

In this activity (posted on March 20, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a stroboscope, a device that exploits the persistence of vision to make moving objects appear slow or stationary.

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.

In this activity, learners create a star show and discover how they can prevent light pollution. Using simple materials, learners first design constellation boxes.

Cardboard Automata are a playful way to explore simple machine elements while creating a mechanical sculpture.

In this activity, learners construct cars that are powered by hand-made, electric propellers.

In this activity, learners use simple tools to build a bookshelf with a built-in bookend.

In this activity, learners build styrofoam boats powered by twisted rubber bands.