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Tops
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.
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Pinball Wizard
Source Institutions
In this hands-on engineering project, kids use two simple machines, levers and inclined planes, to construct their own pinball machines.
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Whirling Windmills
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and construct a windmill to harness the power of wind.
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Helicopter Twirl
Source Institutions
Learners cut and fold a paper helicopter from the template in this PDF. They practice twirling the helicopter and observe what happens as they modify their tries.
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Design Your Own Rube Goldberg Machine
Source Institutions
Engineer and cartoonist Rube Goldberg is famous for his crazy machines that accomplish everyday tasks in overly complicated ways.
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Kinematic Fanatic
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and build a system of gears and kinematics to create a hand-stamping machine.
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Set It Straight
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple tabletop seesaw to test how different variables (the position of the fulcrum, distance, weight) affect its balance under increasing weight loads.
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Catapult
Source Institutions
Build a catapult that transforms the potential energy of a twisted rubber band into kinetic energy. Experiment with design variations so that you can hit a target with a projectile.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-664.jpg?itok=hkJtcN4-)
Pico Cricket Compass
Source Institutions
Learners can program a compass to draw a circle by itself using a Pico Cricket, some Legos, and lots of tape! Pico Cricket is required.
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Bobbing Eyeballs
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use simple materials and basic tools to construct a special toy to explore pendulums. As the head of the toy bobs one way, the eyeballs bob the other way.
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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.
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Magnetic Pendulum
Source Institutions
In this activity about magnetism (page 15 of the PDF), learners will explore how opposite and similar magnetic poles affect a swinging (pendulum) magnet.
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Give Me a Brake
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore the concept of how brakes can stop or slow mechanical motion.
Shadow Puppets
Source Institutions
If you have lights, cardboard, scissors, and some brass fasteners, you can make shadow puppets! Create a story-telling and design challenge for your learners with this simple and creative activity.
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Vectoring: Steering a Plane
Source Institutions
In this two part activity, learners work in pairs or individually to discover how vectoring the thrust from a jet engine affects movement of an airplane.
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Hang Time
Source Institutions
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.
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Thrill Ride
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will build a roller coaster for a marble to run on using everyday household materials such as paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cups, boxes, books, buckets, chairs, etc.
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Blow It Away
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners design wind-powered cars out of simple household materials. Students have fun designing and then racing their vehicles around the room.
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Gymnast
Source Institutions
In this physics activity, learners build a toy with a figure that spins around like a gymnast on the high bar.
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Swing in Time
Learners build and investigate pendulums of different lengths. They discover that the longer the string of the pendulum, the longer the time it takes to swing.