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Hovercraft
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In this activity, learners make plates levitate! Learners build "hovercrafts" using simple materials to explore friction and motion.
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.
Real Glass Xylophone
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In this activity, learners create a xylophone by filling glasses with different amounts of water and tapping them with a metal spoon.
Water Filter
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In this engineering activity, challenge learners to invent a water filter that cleans dirty water.
Helping Hand
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In this invention challenge activity, learners see how many objects they can grab with a homemade "bionic" arm.
Balloon Car
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In this physics activity, challenge learners to make and race a balloon-powered car. Learners construct the body out of a paper cup, wheels out of wooden spools. and fuel tank out of a balloon.
Pencil Balance
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In this activity, challenge learners to make a pencil stand on its tip using only two pieces of wire and two clothespins. Use this activity to demonstrate the center of gravity.
ZOOM Glue
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In this activity, learners mix milk, vinegar, baking soda, and water to create sticky glue. Use this activity to explain how engineers develop and evaluate new materials and products.
As Straight as a Pole
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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.
Paddle Power
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In this design challenge, learners build a boat that paddles itself using a rubber band as its power source.
On Target
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In this design challenge activity, learners modify a cup so it can carry a marble down a zip line and also drop it onto a target.
Egg Bungee Jump
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In this activity, learners design a bungee jump for an egg using nylon stockings.
Zip Line
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a device to carry a Ping-Pong ball from the top of a zip line to the bottom in four seconds (or less!).
Marble Ride
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In this activity, challenge learners to design a roller coaster ride for a marble using cardboard and other simple materials.
Balloon Flinker
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In this activity, learners make a helium balloon "flink"--neither float away nor sink to the ground. Use this activity to introduce physics concepts related to gravity, density, and weight.
Electric Gelatin
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In this activity, learners explore static electricity and electrical charges while experimenting with an inflated balloon, unflavored gelatin powder, and a wool sweater.
Color Splash
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In this activity, learners mix water, cooking oil, and liquid food coloring to create beautiful colored designs in a cup. Use this activity to explore liquid density and solubility.
Keep-a-Cube
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In this activity, challenge learners to keep an ice cube from completely melting in 30 minutes. Learners engineer a box or wrap to prevent an ice cube from melting.
Mechanical Grabber
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In this engineering activity, challenge learners to make a "grabber" that can pick up trash. Learners use simple materials to create pinchers that can grab small items.
Build a Band
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In this design challenge activity, learners build a four-stringed instrument that can play a tune.