When is it okay to be suspended in school? When you're part of a human suspension bridge! Learners first model tension and compression in pairs. Once complete, they get together as a class to model a suspension bridge.

A wind turbine is essentially just a giant pinwheel, right? Individuals first create pinwheels from paper, pins, and pencils. In groups, they model a wind farm along a coast and then test out their designs using an electric fan.

Does the position of the clips make a difference? The activity provides directions to build and test a paper rocket. Pupils attach paper clips to the rocket in different configurations and measure the distance the rocket flies each time....

Students examine how regional geology affects bridge foundations. In this physical science lesson plan, students explore how bridge types are constructed for different purposes.

Students study invention steps and design their own invention. In this invention instructional activity, students discuss inventions and the process of inventing. Studnets write in an inventor's journal and study various types...

You'll be surprized at how much engineering, design, and creativity can go into a toothpick and a marshmallow. Learners make toothpick sculptures where they construct three-dimentional models by sticking marshmallows and toothpicks...

Students read and respond to science fiction literature, such as that written by Jules Verne. They research characteristics of deep-sea environments and use this information to design an underwater exploration apparatus. in addition,...

Scholars classify the sciences. Using applied science, they compare and contrast subfields of sciences. They compare qualitative versus quatitative. They discuss types of sciences and the meanings of the word roots of the names. 

After reading about the history and recycling of paper, creative crafters collaborate to think of a new process for making recycled paper. A complete teacher's guide and student worksheets are included. There is no written procedure for...

Scholars build a simple filtration system to remove impurities from muddy water and rate the filtered water to a grade of clarity scale. The focus is on teamwork and problem solving. This instructional activity would be effective in your...

Take a look at acceleration within the context of automotive technology. They vary the mass on a toy car and run it down a ramp, exploring Newton's second law of motion. Though this is a classic lab activity, you will appreciate the...

The six instructional shifts in this workshop definitely move math and science teachers' understanding of instruction. The workshop, 13th out of a series of 15, asks participants to examine sample tests and to look at how the six...

Fuel cells are being called the "energy source" of the future. Allow your high school chemistry class to construct a miscroscale fuel cell, complete with all components to generate energy. This engaging activity will allow them to apply...

Students explore the concept of space. In this space instructional activity, students pretend to be aerospace engineers. Students build space ships out of cardboard tubes. Students discuss what aerospace engineers do. Students model...

Students are broken up into four groups. Each group will use their knowledge about Egypt to originate a playground for Egyptian children. This will involve brainstorming ideas on paper, building a prototype with Legos or other material,...

Students examine simple tools that are used in everyday life. In this construction worker tools lesson, students decide which tools should be used to solve the construction worker's problems in a manner that demonstrates the Simple...

Students use simple materials to design, build, and test a model of a free-standing structure used to support overhead road signs. Students view a video on the engineering design process and conduct research by observing actual overhead...

Eleventh graders explore Hooke's law through a variety of hands on activities. In this physics lesson, 11th graders perform a computer simulation on Hooke's law. They design a mechanism to test the stress and strain of certain materials.

Students practice using the different tools on the Sheet Metal toolbar. In this engineering lesson, students create a sketch given a set of procedures to follow.

Students demonstrate basic construction skills by building a free standing structure, using predetermined materials. They compute cost of structure by using multiplication skills or calculator.

Students identify and make a Jensen Bar. In this Jensen Bar lesson, students study pictures of Jensen Bars and then build their own bar using the listed materials and given directions.

Students expand their understanding of solid waste management. They examine the effects of packaging decisions. They study engineering advancements in packaging materials and solid waste management.

Young scholars examine human impacts on the water cycle. They compare/contrast the permeability of various materials for the purpose of engineering landscape drainage systems, and answer discussion questions.

Students use everyday materials (milk cartons, water bottles, pencils, straws, candy) to build a small-scale transportation device that incorporates the wheel and axle and the lever. They race their carts/trucks, measure distance, time...