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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

Is a square stronger than a triangle? Use tongue depressors to build simple shapes. Then apply a little weight to them and see what happens!

This activity helps students learn how computers "compress" text by identifying repeating patterns of letters, words, and phrases.

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.

In this activity, learners use recycled materials to build a bridge that holds as many potatoes as possible. They investigate weight, height, strength, and measurement as they seek design solutions.

In this activity, learners make their own binary code bracelets by translating their initials into 0s and 1s represented by beads of 2 different colors.

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.

This magic trick is based on how computers detect and correct data errors.

In this activity, learners will build thier own balance scale. Learners will explore weight and comparison through this 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

If you have 3-foot dowels and rubber bands, you can can started on this fun and open design challenge. You can make structures big and small: make it so you can fit your parent into it!

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 activity (on page 2), one person "programs" the other like a robot to move through a space, trying to get them to avoid obstacles and reach a goal.

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.

In this design challenge activity, learners build a tower that can support a tennis ball at least 18 inches off the ground while withstanding the wind from a fan.