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See what force a magnet has on a wire that has current running through it: will it push it, pull it, or will nothing happen? This is the foundation of a simple electric motor.

In this activity, learners conduct an experiment to help Pharaoh design a better insulated tomb.

In this activity, learners thread gumdrops together to make a model of a polymer.

In this activity, learners make an equatorial sundial, which is simple to construct and teaches fundamental astronomical concepts. Learners use the provided template and a straw to build the sundial.

In this quick SciGirls activity (page 1 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Doghouse Design), learners will be introduced to the concept of thermal conductivity.

In this two-part activity, learners map a navigation plan to get from Earth to Mars and back. In activity one, learners represent the orbital paths of Earth through dance and dramatic movement.

Learners explore the Bernoulli effect by building an airfoil (airplane wing) and making it fly.

Design a vessel that tests the limits of wind power given a set of off the shelf and recycled materials.

Coins are everyday objects which tell a lot about the people who use them.

A design challenge that takes paper airplanes into an entirely different direction: a magnus glider uses cups and and rubber bands to create a glider that uses the same forces that a curveball (from b

This is a great activity for investigating the basics of lift and drag as they pertain to flight. Learners will discover how to avoid "taking a nosedive" by building their own paper airplane.

Learners compare the properties and solubilities of Styrofoam (TM), ecofoam packing peanuts, and popcorn. First, the solubility of each substance is tested in water.

Make a cuíca (“kwee-ka”), a traditional Brazilian musical instrument that originated in Africa. Played primarily in Brazil, now you can play it at home, too, with this Exploratorium produced activity.

Learners place water and part of an antacid tablet in a film canister. The reaction creates a gas reaction that launches the film canister like a rocket.

Learners follow the template to build and fly a paper helicopter.

In this inquiry-based activity, learners investigate the basic forces of flight as they construct their own paper glider that represents a rainforest creature from Borneo (large, tropical island in So

In this full inquiry activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Kinetic Sculpture Challenge Activity), groups of learners will make predictions about which feature of a pendulum (mass, length,

Learn how to make and fly a paper helicopter! This simple activity includes a template (for the copter "blades") and instructions for folding, flying, and testing designs.

Learners see convection currents in action in this highly visual demonstration. Sealed bags of colored hot or cold water are immersed in tanks of water.

In this quick activity (located on page 2 of the PDF under GPS: Balloon Fiesta Activity), learners will see the effects of convection and understand what makes hot air balloons rise.