Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Unlocking the Endocrine System

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students learn how the endocrine system works and compare it to the mail delivery system. Students discuss the importance of communication in human body systems and relate that to engineering and astronauts.
Handout
Other

Pony Express: History of the Pony Express

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the beginnings of the Pony Express, the requirements to be a rider, and find out why this mail delivery system ended.
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Fifteen Objects That Changed Postal History

For Students 9th - 10th
Useful information about the history of the postal system and about the changes in postal and transportation technologies that have made the U.S. Postal Service what it is today.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Design Packing to Safely Mail Raw Spaghetti

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students will use their creative skills to determine a way to mail raw spaghetti. The students will need to choose a way to safely package their raw spaghetti using only the materials provided. To test the packing designs, the spaghetti...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: As Precious as Gold

For Students 9th - 10th
"As Precious as Gold," is an online exhibit from the National Postal Museum which explores the rich history of the Alaskan/Klondike gold rushes. Find stories on extraordinary women, the trails, the Palm Sunday avalanche, the U.S. Postal...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Postal Museum: Binding the Nation

For Students 9th - 10th
A multi-part online exhibit that traces the development of the U.S. Postal System. Artifacts may be clicked on and text explains their significance. Historic, primary materials are used throughout the exhibit.