Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Learners design and build a roller coaster using simple materials. Learners experiment with potential and kinetic energy to get a marble to follow a track into a cup.

Learners make slime from white school glue and Borax detergent. The long chain molecules of the white glue become cross-linked by the Borax into a big network.

Learners shred used paper, add water, and blend it into pulp. They then strain and roll the pulp out to make new paper.

Learners use chromatography to separate and analyze the mixture of pigments in leaves. Use this activity to discuss photosynthesis as well as why leaves change color in autumn.

Learners build a wind turbine and test it to see how much energy is created.

Learners act as engineers and design mini submarines that move in the water like real submarines.

Learners build pan pipes out of drinking straws by cutting them to different lengths. Then, learners make music by blowing across the straws and playing some well-known songs.

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

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 assemble a figure from a nylon stocking or sock stuffed with soil and seeds. The ends of the nylons inside the jar absorb water, which feeds the grass seeds.