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Where Will It Go?
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In this activity, learners predict where a ball will go after it bounces off another object. Learners discover that the motion of objects is predictable based on laws of motion.
Physics Tug of War
Learners set up books with rubber bands stretched between the books. When two identical books are stretched apart and released, they move back toward each other an equal distance.
Canine House of Cards
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This simple construction activity teaches the importance of architectural structure. Learners build and test designs for a paper "doghouse" strong enough to hold the weight of a jumbo dog biscuit.
How Far?
To learn how friction affects motion, learners build a measurement tool from a rubber band and other simple materials.
What Shape Is It?
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In this activity, learners determine the shape of an unseen object by bouncing a ball off the object.
Graph Dance
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In this activity, learners "dance" (move back and forth at varying speeds) by reading a graph. This is a kinesthetic way to help learners interpret and understand how motion is graphed.
Sea State: Forecast Conditions at Sea
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In this oceanography and data collection activity, learners cast real time sea state conditions using buoys from NOAA's National Data Buoy Center.
Percentage of Oxygen in the Air
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In this activity, learners calculate the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere by using steel wool's ability to rust.
Pedal Power
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In this engineering activity, learners examine bicycle mechanics and gear ratios. Learners determine which gears will help them bike a set course in the shortest amount of time.
Gravity Fountains
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This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Glaciers Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into the forces of gravity and air pressure.
Spinning Blackboard
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Create beautiful spirals by drawing a straight line. This sounds crazy, but you can with a turntable (a record player or lazy susan), paper, and pen.
Balloon Hovercraft
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In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Luge Activity), learners will construct a model hovercraft out of an empty spool and a piece of cardboard.
Trash Traits
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In this activity on page 24, learners perform experiments to examine whether or not trash can float, blow around, or wash away.
Under Pressure
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In this experiment, learners examine how pressure affects water flow. In small groups, learners work with water and a soda bottle, and then relate their findings to pressure in the deep ocean.
Wave on Wave
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In this activity, learners use raisins and seltzer water to understand why waves don’t move objects forward. Learners conduct two simple experiments to understand the circular movement of waves.
The Shadow Knows II
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In this activity, learners will measure the length of a shadow and use the distance from the equator to calculate the circumference of the earth.
Weighty Questions
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In this activity about humans and space travel (page 1 of PDF), learners compare and contrast the behavior of a water-filled plastic bag, both outside and inside of a container of water.
Roving on the Moon
Add to list DetailsIn this design challenge activity, learners build a rubber band-powered rover that can scramble across the room.
Paper Drop Design Competition
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Using paper, paper clips, an index card, and tape, teams of learners design flying devices to (1) stay in the air as long as possible and (2) land as close as possible to a given target.