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This design challenge is an open-ended exploration of linkages, a group of parts connected by hinges, and the types of motion they can create.

Learners construct an electricity-generating wind turbine out of a plastic bottle.

In this engineering challenge, learners design and build a crane out of cardboard to see how heavy a load it can lift.

In this activity, learners discover that some things only stand up while they are spinning.

In this activity, learners build inexpensive pulley assemblies from pulley wheels used for sliding screen door replacement or from clothesline spreaders.

In this activity, learners build a machine made of craft sticks to multiply the levering motion of their hands and create a device that bends and extends.

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer and two small rotating mirrors to create a variety of fascinating patterns, which can be easily and dramatically projected on a wall or screen.

In this activity, learners explore how wind energy can be generated on both a large and small scale.

In this hands-on engineering project, kids use two simple machines, levers and inclined planes, to construct their own pinball machines.

In this design challenge activity, learners use a balloon and other simple materials to design an air-powered rocket that can hit a distant target.

Trick your family and friends with this creepy crawler that moves up and down. In this activity, learners construct a circuit and motor device that will move a homemade spider in a spooky way.

In this activity/demo about piezoelectricity, learners discover how some crystals produce electricity when squeezed.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Hovercraft) is a full inquiry investigation into hovercraft engineering and design optimization.

In this activity, learners explore how various energy sources can be used to cause a turbine to rotate.

In this activity, learners construct their own small catapults using simple materials. Learners follow visual instructions to build their launching device.

In this activity, learners build a nanorover model using styrofoam meat trays and a balloon.

In this activity, learners explore motion, energy, and electricity by constructing bottle cars that run on motors.

This activity (page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Microgravity) is a full inquiry investigation into how ordinary things behave in microgravity, similar to what astronauts experience.

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.

In this activity, PVC pipe, plastic water bottles and vinyl tubing are used to make a simple working toilet model. The model shows the role of a siphon in the flushing of a toilet.