| Can You Catch the Water? |
Students construct a three-dimensional model of a water catchment basin using everyday objects to create hills, mountains, valleys and water sources. They experiment to see where rain travels and coll... ... moreStudents construct a three-dimensional model of a water catchment basin using everyday objects to create hills, mountains, valleys and water sources. They experiment to see where rain travels and collects, and survey water pathways to see how they can be altered by natural and human-made activities. Students discuss how engineers design structures that impact water collection, and systems that clean and distribute water. ...less |
4 (3-5) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S1000375 S1002447 S100351E S100D7F5 S1012041 S1015D9B |
50 minutes |
2 |
US$ 0.50 |
| Can You Hear it? |
In the previous lesson, students learned about the issue of bycatching by fisheries and how it affects marine habitats. Dolphins are one of the main species affected by bycatching. While dolphins ca... ... moreIn the previous lesson, students learned about the issue of bycatching by fisheries and how it affects marine habitats. Dolphins are one of the main species affected by bycatching. While dolphins can use echolocation to identify the location of many objects, they have difficulty identifying nets, and thus can be caught in them by accident. Students will learn how echolocation works, why certain animals use it to determine the size, shape, and distance of objects, and how humans can potentially take advantage of dolphins' echolocation ability when developing bycatch avoidance methods. In this activity the students will experience a simulation of echolocation and use it to walk along a path while blindfolded. ...less |
5 (4-7) |
North Carolina (2004):
Science S10283BB S10283BD S10283E1 S102841E |
30 minutes |
4 |
US$ 1.00 |
| Capturing the Sun's Warmth |
In the exploration of ways to use solar energy, students investigate the thermal energy storage capacities of different test materials to determine which to use in passive solar building design. |
4 (3-5) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S1002447 S100D7F5 S100F4B7 S1012041 S1022DDF
Math S103C242 S103C26D |
120 minutes |
4 |
US$ 2.00 |
| Cars from the Future |
In some cities, especially large cities such as Los Angeles or Mexico City, visible air pollution is a major problem, both for human health and the environment. A variety of sources contribute to air ... ... moreIn some cities, especially large cities such as Los Angeles or Mexico City, visible air pollution is a major problem, both for human health and the environment. A variety of sources contribute to air pollution, but personal vehicles account for one of the main sources. Though each car has relatively low emissions when compared to vehicles of the 1970s, there are so many more cars on the road now that their emissions play a large role in overall pollution. In this activity, students think about alternate ways to power a vehicle to reduce emissions. Student teams design an eco-friendly car using the engineering design process, and make a presentation to showcase their product. ...less |
4 (3-5) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S100D7F5 S1012041 S1015D9B |
100 minutes |
3 |
US$ 0.00 |
| Carve that mountain |
In this activity, students further investigate major landforms (e.g., mountains, rivers, plains, hills, oceans and plateaus). They build a three-dimensional model of a landscape depicting several of t... ... moreIn this activity, students further investigate major landforms (e.g., mountains, rivers, plains, hills, oceans and plateaus). They build a three-dimensional model of a landscape depicting several of these landforms. Once they have built their model, they act as civil and transportation engineers to build a road through the landscape they have created. ...less |
3 (3-5) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S1000375 S100351E S100D7F5 S1012041 S1015D9B |
100 minutes |
2 |
US$ 0.50 |
| A Case of Innovation |
A white paper is a focused analysis often used to describe how a technology solves a problem. In this literacy activity, students write a simplified version of a white paper on an alternative electric... ... moreA white paper is a focused analysis often used to describe how a technology solves a problem. In this literacy activity, students write a simplified version of a white paper on an alternative electrical power generation technology. In the process, they develop their critical thinking skills and become aware of the challenge and promise of technological innovation that engineers help to make possible. This activity is geared towards fifth grade and older students and computer capabilities are required. Some portions of the activity may be appropriate with younger students. ...less |
6 (5-8) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S100351E S100D7F5 S1022DDF |
150 minutes |
4 |
US$ 0.00 |
| Catapults! |
Students observe the relationship between the angle of a catapult (a force measurement) and the flight of a cotton ball. They learn how Newton's second law of motion works by seeing directly that F = ... ... moreStudents observe the relationship between the angle of a catapult (a force measurement) and the flight of a cotton ball. They learn how Newton's second law of motion works by seeing directly that F = ma. When they pull the metal "arm" back further, thus applying a greater force to the cotton ball, it causes the cotton ball to travel faster and farther. Students also learn that objects of greater mass require more force to result in the same distance traveled by a lighter object. ...less |
6 (5-7) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S1002447 S10069B9 S100D7F5 S1012041 S1022DDF
Math S103C221 S103C230 S103C246 S103C272 |
50 minutes |
4 |
US$ 5.00 |
| Cereal Magnets |
In this activity, students will design a process that removes the most iron from the cereal. This activity is meant for the students to experiment with different materials using what they know about ... ... moreIn this activity, students will design a process that removes the most iron from the cereal. This activity is meant for the students to experiment with different materials using what they know about iron, magnets, and forces to design the best process for removing the iron from the cereal. ...less |
4 (3-5) |
North Carolina (2004):
Science S10283D6 S10283D8 |
1 hour |
3 |
US$ 2.00 |
| Chair Design |
Students become familiar with the Engineering Design Process as they design and build prototypes for a chair. The miniature chair must be sturdy and functional enough to hold a wooden, hinged artist model or floppy stuffed animal. |
7 (6-8) |
Massachusetts (2001):
Science S1009558 S1010C69 S1011180 S1012153 |
10 hours |
2 |
US$ 6.00 |
| Charge It! |
Students use a balloon to perform several simple experiments to explore static electricity and charge polarization. |
4 (3-5) |
Colorado (1995):
Science S1002447 S100D7F5 S1012041 S1022DDF
Math S103C27F |
20 minutes |
1 |
US$ 0.75 |