Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 157

Linkages
Source Institutions
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.
Build Your Own Wind Turbine
Source Institutions
Learners construct an electricity-generating wind turbine out of a plastic bottle.

Heavy Lifting: Design Squad
Source Institutions
In this engineering challenge, learners design and build a crane out of cardboard to see how heavy a load it can lift.

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

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

Zig Zag Bopper
Source Institutions
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.

Laser Lissajous: PVC Version
Source Institutions
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.

Working with Wind Energy
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how wind energy can be generated on both a large and small scale.

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.

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

Creepy Crawlers
Source Institutions
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.

The Electric Squeeze
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo about piezoelectricity, learners discover how some crystals produce electricity when squeezed.

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

Going for a Spin: Making a Model Steam Turbine
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how various energy sources can be used to cause a turbine to rotate.

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

Whirling Windmills
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners are challenged to design and construct a windmill to harness the power of wind.

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.

Crank It Up
Source Institutions
In this engineering activity, learners explore simple machines and then build cardboard automata using cams.

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.

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.