In this activity, students apply their knowledge of buoyancy and ship stability to design a model ship. They test, evaluate, and refine the design of the model to optimize performance. Background information and other activities are...

Part of a materials science engineering course, a project through which students investigate the future of solar electricity by creating prototypes of solar cells. Students complete exercises in "project planning, analysis, design,...

This site provides eight projects to use in an elementary classroom to encourage students to become inventors/designers. Invention, prototyping, materials exploration, creative writing, problem-solving, and group presentations are...

A lesson through which students design and build a small trebuchet from everyday materials. After building and testing their models, students will compete to see whose prototype produces the farthest launch.

Experience what it's like to work in the field of technology, and take on something never done before. Brainstorm, prototype, plan, implement, work in a team, coordinate between teams, learn from failures or enjoy a success.

A virtual tour of the permanent exhibition rooms of the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Includes photographs of his prototypes on display and explanations of their significance.

Several short, prototypical programs exploring the basics of computer programming with Processing.

Classic Reader provides numerous classic works from famous authors. One work is Tom Swift and His Motor-Cycle, an adventure multi-chapter book from 1910, written by the ghost writer Victor Appleton. In this book's quest, the main...

Students will design and build a prototype of an artificial limb using a simple syringe system as an introduction to bioengineering. Students will determine which substance water (liquid) or air (gas) will make the appendage more efficient.

A database of 20,000 currently available products from over 2,000 different companies. "Each product record contains a detailed description of the product as well as price, manufacturer and distributor information. You will also find...

In this design activity, students investigate materials engineering as it applies to weather and clothing. The students will design and analyze different combinations of materials for effectiveness in specific weather conditions....

An interesting biography of James Ritty and an account of how he invented the cash register. Included are pictures of his designs and the prototypes.

Students build an artificial lifting system prototype to test the ability to pump oil.

Have you heard of a disease called Parkinson's? When people have this disease they often show signs or symptoms, like shaking uncontrollably. This shaking can make doing simple things harder. Emma Lawton is a person with Parkinson's, and...

This resource outlines the steps in the design process. It describes problem identification, research, deciding on a solution, making and testing a prototype, communicating the results, and evaluation and redesign.

Kongo kings, having adopted Christianity as the state religion, commissioned locally made crucifixes for use as emblems of leadership and power. This crucifix demonstrates how Kongo artists adapted and transformed Western Christian...

Nobel laureate, James Watson, discusses the story of how he and his research partner, Francis Crick, discovered the structure of DNA and identified the genetic components for many diseases. [20:15]

Hands-on challenge to build a car using a rubber band and only two wheels that can go really fast and far. Provides full list of materials with ideas on how to design, build, and test and redesign. Activity focuses on the engineering...

An architectural modeling lesson that first demonstrates how architects combine forms to create buildings and then provides instructions for building architectural models. Includes links to architectural terms and to useful illustrations...

United States Naval Observatory is a unique observatory run by the Navy. It does some of the grunt work of astronomy -- keeping accurate time, determining positions of stars (astrometry), etc. They are responsible for publishing the...

A radio story describing the development of the newest technology in telescopes based on an old idea. Images of the 80-acre interferometer are shown on the site.

The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering that go into the design of a sneaker. The bottom or sole of a sneaker provides support, cushioning, and traction. In addition the sole is flexible and can have some fashion...

Think about the challenges that faced the Wright Brothers, then see if you can design and fly your own model aircraft. There are other sources provided to help you along the way.

In this video segment from Cyberchase, learn about the importance of creating a model as the CyberSquad designs a giant "Trojan Ducky" that will help them enter a fort without being noticed. [4:17]