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Perspectives: Powers of 10
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In this activity, learners complete a series of drawing activities to explore scale and powers of 10. Learners first trace each other on 1-meter-square pieces of paper.
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Public Key Encryption: Kid Krypto
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In this activity, learners conduct a simulation exercise related to public key encryption and try to intercept a message sent between two learners.
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Launch It
Add to list DetailsIn this design challenge activity, learners use a balloon and other simple materials to design an air-powered rocket that can hit a distant target.
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Gumdrop Dome
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In this activity (located on pages 23-24 of the PDF), learners are introduced to structural engineering and encouraged to practice goal-oriented building.
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Four Corners
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a machine out of cardboard that runs smoothly and dependably. Learners must be precise to make sure their component works properly.
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DIY Pasta Rover
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In this activity, learners design and build a NASA rover using raw pasta and candy with a limited imaginary budget.
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The Poor Cartographer: Graph Coloring
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In this activity, learners help a poor cartographer color in the countries on a map, making sure each country is colored a different color than any of its neighbors.
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Sound Representation: Modems Unplugged
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In this activity, learners listen to songs and decode hidden messages based on the same principle as a modem. As a final challenge, learners decode the binary messages in a music video.
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Build A Dome
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In this activity, learners explore the structural strength of triangles by creating their own free-standing geodesic dome out of plastic straws.
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Particle Detection
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By tossing, collecting, and sorting beanbags, learners understand how the IBEX spacecraft uses its sensors to detect and map the locations of particle types in the interstellar boundary.
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Finding the Size of the Sun and Moon
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In this activity, learners build a simple pinhole viewer. They use this apparatus to project images from a variety of light sources, including a candle, the Sun, and the Moon.
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Using Different Models of Earth
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In this activity, learners explore how the shapes, sizes, and distances of land masses appear differently on two different models of Earth: an icosahedron and a flat map.
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Paper Table
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In this design challenge activity, learners use tubes of newspaper to make a table that’s at least eight inches tall and strong enough to hold a heavy book!
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Secret Writing Devices
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In this activity about encryption, learners cut out a secret decoder badge from a handout and use it to encode messages to each other.
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The Muddy City: Minimal Spanning Trees
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In this puzzle, learners investigate the decisions involved in linking a network between houses in a muddy city.
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Forward Thinking
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In this activity, learners create their own weather forecast map.
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Cipher Wheel
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In this activity, learners make their own encrypted code to pass along secret messages using a printable cipher wheel.
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Building with Wonderful Junk
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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
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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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Let's Make Music
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In this activity, learners will create their own percussion instrument with recycled materials. Learners will explore design, fabrication, cause and effect and sound through this activity.