Beth L. Andrews - Prufrock Press : Prufrock Press: Gifted ... of Contents Challenges The Good Old-Fashioned Paper Airplane 1 Hammock Among Us 2 Windmills on Your Mind? 3 Will It Go

Beth L. Andrews

For Grades 4–7

Real-World Projects for the Classroom

Prufrock Press Inc.Waco, Texas

Copyright ©2012 Prufrock Press Inc.

Edited by Sarah Morrison

Production design by Raquel Trevino

Parent ISBN-13: 978-1-59363-922-8

The purchase of this book entitles the buyer to reproduce student activity pages for single classroom use only. Other use requires written permission of publisher. All rights reserved.

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Table of Contents

ChallengesThe Good Old-Fashioned Paper Airplane ..............................1Hammock Among Us ......................................................... 2Windmills on Your Mind? ................................................... 3Will It Go Round in Circles? ................................................ 4Building Bridges............................................................... 5It’s All Downhill From Here ................................................ 6Cow-a-Bungee .................................................................. 7Stealthy Design ................................................................ 8Whatever Floats Your Boat ................................................ 9Scrapers in the Sky .........................................................10Parachute Express ........................................................... 11It’s So Simple Machines ..................................................12Catapult to the Front of the Line ........................................13Be a Cooper ....................................................................14Whirlybird Liftoff ............................................................. 15Wheelbarrow Races .........................................................16Kite for a Windy Day ........................................................ 17Host a Hoist ................................................................... 18Obstacle Course, of Course ..............................................19Craft a Raft .................................................................... 20CD Car ............................................................................21It’s Getting Hot in Here ................................................... 22The Amazing Trampoline Act ............................................ 23Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah ......................................................... 24Breaking Down Barriers ...................................................25World’s Fair .................................................................... 26

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 1Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

The Good Old-Fashioned Paper Airplane

Make an airplane that achieves the longest straight flight when released.

Activity Preparationa. http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newtonb. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/newtlaws/cci.cfmc. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/

aerodynamics1.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w Interactive lesson in which students examine the forces affecting a bird

in flight: http://www.wonderville.ca/asset/airborne-experiment w Interactive site exploring how a hot-air balloon stays in the air: http://

www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsc/activities/simulations/gr4/unite.html w Video free on iTunes U: 108 Stitches: The Physics of Baseball w Podcast on the aerodynamics of a free fall: http://rocketmanhowie.

podOmatic.com

Additional ReadingAnderson, J. D. (2007). Fundamentals of aerodynamics (4th ed.). New York, NY:

McGraw-Hill. Cohen, I. B., & Smith, G. E. (2002). The Cambridge companion to Newton.

Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.Henderson, T. (2011). The car and the wall. Retrieved from http://www.

physicsclassroom.com/mmedia/newtlaws/cci.cfmSobey, E. (1998). Just plane smart! Activities for kids in the air and on the ground.

New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

2 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Hammock Among Us

Create a hammock to hold the most golf balls or other weight.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.hammocks.com/historyofhammocksarticle.cfmb. http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/hammock.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w Various hammocks designed specifically for outdoor use and camping:

http://www.mosquitohammock.com w A hammock designed to keep the back straight: http://www.shf.org.au/

SpecEv/Hammock.html w A hammock manufacturer with a large selection and a history of ham-

mocks: http://hammockcompany.com/hammock-history.php

Additional ReadingBaur, H. (1994). Hammock lore and history. Retrieved from http://www.

buyhammocks.com/hiofha.html

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 3Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Windmills on Your Mind?

Create two windmills and compare their rotation; make a windmill in which the rotation of the blades will continue the longest time with only the wind to help.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.clean-energy-ideas.com/resources/index.html and/or

http://www.brainpopjr.com/science/conservationb. http://www.energy.siemens.com/fi/en/energy-topics/videos/new-

wind-turbine.htmc. http://vimeo.com/38203479 d. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8235456.stm

Additional Lesson Resources w U.S. Energy Information Administration site: http://www.eia.gov/kids w National Geographic’s education site:

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/?ar_a=1

Additional ReadingMusial, W., & Ram, B. (2010). Large-scale offshore wind power in the United

States: Technical assessment of opportunities and barriers (NREL Report No. TP-500-40745). Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Schmalbeck, L. (n.d.). Who has seen the wind? Harnessing alternative energy. Retrieved from http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/6307?ref=search

World Wind Energy Association. (2006). Information. Retrieved from http://www.wwindea.org/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=13&Itemid=80

4 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Will It Go Round in Circles?

Make the closest estimate of the area and circumference of the circle created by the

team members sitting cross-legged.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/measures.htmb. http://boatsafe.com/tools/meter.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w Video (31:42) on units of measurement: http://tiny.cc/m68a4 w Video tutorial (02:37) on converting units of measurement: http://www.

ehow.com/video_4756726_convert-units-measurement.html w EdHelper’s page on measurement with additional practice: http://

edhelper.com/measurement.htm

Additional ReadingBaber, Z. (1996). The science of empire: Scientific knowledge, civilization, and

colonial rule in India. Albany, NY: State University of New York.Kemp, B. J. (1989). Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a civilization. Oxford, England:

Routledge.Rowlett, R. (2001). How many? A dictionary of units of measurement. Retrieved

from http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/custom.html

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 5Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Building Bridges

Build a sturdy bridge with a 2-foot span that can be transported from one spot to another.

Activity Preparationa. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/tlc/28828-understanding-history-

of-bridge-construction-video.htmb. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/tlc/29830-understanding-bridge-

movement-video.htmc. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/tlc/29829-understanding-bridge-

designs-video.htmd. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/35894-howstuffworks-

show-episode-12-steel-bridges-video.htme. http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/we-built-this-city-new-york-the-

brooklyn-bridge.htmlf. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/basics.htmlg. http://www.brantacan.co.uk/bridges.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w PBS bridge demonstration labs: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/

bridge/index.html w Model bridge design tips: http://www.garrettsbridges.com

Additional ReadingJohmann, C. A., & Rieth, E. (1999). Bridges!: Amazing structures to design, build

& test. Charlotte, VT: Williamson.Whitney, C. S. (2003). Bridges of the world: Their design and construction.

Mineola, NY: Dover.

6 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

It’s All Downhill From Here

Create the fastest rolling object with a 5" diameter that will travel down a 6' incline.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=127812b. http://tinyurl.com/28mxzf6c. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=53066

Additional ReadingSerway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2004). Physics for scientists and engineers (6th ed.).

Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.Watson, D. (2010). What type of energy is it? Retrieved from http://www.

ftexploring.com/energy/enrg-types.htm

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 7Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Cow-a-Bungee

Create a bungee jump (from the top of a bookshelf or tall cabinet) whose object

has the most caroms from one jump.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.iwillknot.com and/or http://www.wikihow.com/Make-

a-Slip-Knotb. http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/ho/Hooke's_lawc. http://inventors.about.com/cs/inventorsalphabet/a/rubber_2.htmd. http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=Barbie_Bungee

&video_id=198832 e. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/46124/bungee_jumping_in_

new_zealand

Additional ReadingMilton, G. W. (2002). Theory of composites. Cambridge, England: Cambridge

University Press.Ugural, A. C., & Fenster, S. K. (1975). Advanced strength and applied elasticity

(4th ed.). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science Ltd.

8 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Stealthy Design

Create a stealth aircraft that will travel the furthest distance.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=214351

&title=radarb. http://www.ausairpower.net/Profile-F-117A.html

Additional Lesson Resources w U-2 bombers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_U-2 w Video (4:57) of F-22 air show demo: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/

767508/f22_airshow_demo

Additional ReadingCrickmore, P., & Crickmore, A. (1999, August). F-117 Nighthawk story: The

early years. AirForces Monthly, 62–69.Karl, J. (2007). So high, so fast. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/

Technology/story?id=3490523&page=1O’Donnell, R. M. (2007). Introduction to radar systems. Retrieved from http://ocw.

mit.edu/resources/res-ll-001-introduction-to-radar-systems-spring-2007Reed, J. (2009). Official: Fighters should be used for spying. Retrieved from http://

www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/12/airforce_deptula_121909

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 9Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Create a boat that can stay afloat for at least 1 minute while carrying the heaviest load.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.gamequarium.org/cgi-bin/search/linfo.cgi?id=7898b. http://science.discovery.com/videos/what-the-ancients-knew-

buoyancy-defined.htmlc. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lasalle/buoybasics.htmld. http://beityaacov2010.wikispaces.com/Archimedes

Additional Lesson Resources w Hull visuals: http://fishandboat.com/anglerboater/1999/julaug99/

boathull.htm w Part II of Bill Nye’s buoyancy video: http://www.gamequarium.org/cgi-

bin/search/linfo.cgi?id=7899

Additional ReadingHance, A. (1994). Float, sink or swim. Retrieved from http://www.explorit.org/

science/bytes/float.html Hasan, H. (2005). Archimedes: The father of mathematics. New York, NY: Rosen

Central. Hodanbosi, C. (1996). Buoyancy: Archimedes principle. Retrieved from http://

www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/WindTunnel/Activities/buoy_Archimedes.html

10 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Scrapers in the Sky

Build the tallest freestanding skyscraper that will hold the most weight.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.emporis.com/statistics/worlds-tallest-buildingsb. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/skyscraper/basics.htmlc. http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Skyscraperd. http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/we-built-this-city-new-york-

skyscrapers.htmle. http://science.discovery.com/videos/build-it-bigger-season-4-

design-of-al-hamra.html

Additional Lesson Resources w Timeline of skyscrapers’ development: http://www.skyscraper.org/

TALLEST_TOWERS/tallest.htm w The Skyscraper Museum site: http://www.skyscraper.org/home.htm w Info about the pyramids of Giza: http://www.eyelid.co.uk/pyramid3.htm w Damien’s Skyscraper Page, a site dedicated to the wonders of architec-

ture, engineering, and skyscrapers: http://reach-for-the-sky.50megs.com w GreatBuildings, an architecture site: http://www.GreatBuildings.com/

gbc.html w Interactive skyscraper-building activity: http://www.funny-games.biz/

towerbloxx.html

Additional ReadingAldrete, S. G. (2004). Daily life in the Roman city: Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia.

Westport, CT: Greenwood.

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 11Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Parachute Express

Build a parachute that takes the longest time to descend.

Activity Preparationa. http://inventors.about.com/od/italianinventors/a/LeonardoDa

Vinci.htmb. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/10_11/forces_

action_fs.shtmlc. http://vimeo.com/38288667

Additional Lesson Resources w Site detailing the history of the parachute: http://inventors.about.com/

od/pstartinventions/ss/Parachute.htm w Site offering additional information about parachutes and Leonardo da

Vinci: http://www.aero.com/publications/parachutes/9511/pc1195.htm w Site with suggested mass and weight projects: http://www.home

trainingtools.com/mass-and-weight-young-science-projects/a/1677

Additional ReadingMasters, R. (1998). Fortune is a river: Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavelli’s

magnificent dream to change the course of Florentine history. New York, NY: Penguin.

Rossi, P. (2001). The birth of modern science. Oxford, England: Wiley-Blackwell.

12 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

It’s So Simple Machines

The purpose of this activity is to learn about simple machines. There is no team

challenge associated with this lesson; however, the understanding of simple

machines will be important for students to know for future challenges.

Activity Preparationa. https://vimeo.com/38290259b. http://www.mikids.com/Smachines.htmc. http://www.angelfire.com/ego/mr.f/SubjectLinks/science/movies

gr8/1work.swfd. https://vimeo.com/38291275e. https://vimeo.com/38290616f. http://atlantis.coe.uh.edu/archive/science/science_lessons/

scienceles1/finalhome.htm

Additional ReadingAndrew Rader Studios. (2006). Motion: Forces. Retrieved from http://www.

physics4kids.com/files/motion_force.html Asimov, I. (1988). Understanding physics. New York, NY: Hippocrene Books. Mukherjee, S. (2005). Mechanical sciences: Engineering mechanics and strength

of materials. New Delhi, India: PHI Learning.Rajput, R. (2005). Elements of mechanical engineering. New Delhi, India: Firewall

Media.

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 13Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Catapult to the Front of the Line

Create a catapult that will hurl a penny through a target from the furthest distance away.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.catapults.infob. http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/games/flingc. http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikijunior:How_Things_Work/Leverd. http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=238758

&title=Trebuchets__amp__Catapultse. http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=238841&

title=Roman_Catapult&vpkey=

Additional Lesson Resources w Trebuchets information site: http://www.redstoneprojects.com/

trebuchetstore/trebuchet_history.html

Additional ReadingDelf, B. (2003). Greek and Roman artillery 399 BC–AD 363. Oxford, England:

Osprey.

14 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Be a Cooper

Build a barrel to hold and safely transport the most weight for a distance

of 20 feet. (More weight will be added until only one barrel remains.)

Activity Preparationa. http://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/Autumn03/cooper

slideshowb. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/mayflower-john-

alden-ships-cooperc. http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~flbbm/heritage/cooper/

barrelmaking.htmd. http://www.history.org/kids/games/cooperation.cfme. http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=46792f. http://vimeo.com/5391598

Additional ReadingColonial Williamsburg Foundation. (2010). A flag means it’s open: And other

essential information for touring the historic area: A pocket guide. Williams-burg, VA: Author.

Curtin, T., & Baker, J. W. (1993). Mayflower II: Plimoth plantation. Little Compton, RI: Fort Church.

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 15Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Whirlybird Liftoff

Build a helicopter that will hover in the air for the longest duration.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.history.com/shows/ancient-discoveries/videos/

ancient-hobbyist-taketombo#ancient-hobbyist-taketombob. http://www.mos.org/sln/Leonardo/Leo-Copter.htmlc. http://www.sikorskyarchives.comd. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/nasa/2139-how-helicopters-

work-video.htme. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/7075-greatest-ever-the-

most-powerful-helicopter-video.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w Site with additional helicopter information: http://terpconnect.umd.

edu/~leishman/Aero/history.html#Early_Thinking w Site about changes in helicopters over time: http://rotored.arc.nasa.gov/

timeline/timeline.htm

Additional ReadingGordon, J. (2006). Principles of helicopter aerodynamics. Cambridge, England:

Cambridge University Press.Houghton, E. L., & Carpenter, P. W. (1993). Aerodynamics for engineering stu-

dents (4th ed.). London, England: Edward Arnold.NASA Destination Tomorrow. (1995). Helicopters explained. Retrieved from

http://nasa.ibiblio.org/details.php?videoid=6333&start=0&query=helicopter&action=search

16 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Wheelbarrow Races

Build a wheelbarrow to carry the most golf balls a distance of 10 feet.

Activity Preparationa. http://vimeo.com/2236446b. http://www.mikids.com/SMachinesWheels.htm

Additional ReadingDynamo, D. J. (2008). Tip of the pops. Retrieved from http://creativedynamo.netLewis, M. J. T. (1994). The origins of the wheelbarrow. Technology and Culture,

35, 453–475.Science Resource. (2011). Simple machines—Wheel and axle. Retrieved from

http://science.jrank.org/pages/4056/Machines-Simple-Wheel-axle.htmlTemple, R., & Needham, J. (1998). The genius of China: 3,000 years of science,

discovery, and invention. New York, NY: Prion Books.

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 17Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Kite for a Windy Day

Make a kite that will stay aloft for the longest time (at least 3 minutes), with or without weight.

Activity Preparationa. https://vimeo.com/38301007 (show video at http://www.ted.com/

talks/saul_griffith_on_kites_as_the_future_of_renewable_energy.html as an extension)

b. http://kitefestival.com/photoc. http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/kitefly.htmld. http://www.ehow.com/info_8348108_parts-kite.html

Additional ReadingExperiment Resources. (2008). Physics experiments. Retrieved from http://www.

experiment-resources.com/physics-experiments.htmlNational Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2008). Beginner’s guide to aero-

nautics. Retrieved from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplanesNational Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2008). Kite launch and flight.

Retrieved from http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/kitefly.html Shuttleworth, M. (2008). Ben Franklin kite experiment. Retrieved from http://

www.experiment-resources.com/ben-franklin-kite-experiement.html

18 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Host a Hoist

Make a hoist that will carry the heaviest load 6 inches from the ground.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/meteora-varlaam-

monasteryb. http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078779626/student_view0/

brainpop_movies.html#c. http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/

pulley.htm d. http://library.thinkquest.org/27948/pulley.htmle. http://science.discovery.com/videos/what-the-ancients-knew-

force-achimedes-style.html f. http://www.ffpblog.com/2010/06/a-little-hoist-workg. http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/lesson-pulleysh. http://videos.howstuffworks.com/discovery/36077-extreme-

engineering-pile-hoisting-video.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w Animated pulley demonstration: http://www.design-simulation.com/

Documents/IP/images/simulationimages/pulleysystems/pulleysystem.gif

w Practice with pulleys: http://www.technologystudent.com/gears1/pulley 7.htm

Additional ReadingWoodford, C. (2009). Pulleys. Retrieved from http://www.explainthatstuff.com/

pulleys.html

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 19Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Obstacle Course, of Course

Make an obstacle course for a marble that will have a minimum of three actions. All

teams that design a successful three-action obstacle course will be declared victorious!

Activity Preparationa. http://www.engineeringinteract.org/interact.htmb. http://www.funderstanding.com/k12/coasterc. http://glencoe.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0078779626/student_view0/

brainpop_movies.html#d. http://www.pbs.org/media/wgbh/designsquad/animations/301_

lever_hi.move. http://thestir.cafemom.com/big_kid/100151/ok_go_video_like_

mouse

Additional ReadingAndrew Rader Studios. (2006). Motion: Forces. Retrieved from http://www.

physics4kids.com/files/motion_force.html Andrew Rader Studios. (2006). Motion: Vectors. Retrieved from http://www.

physics4kids.com/files/motion_vectors.html Mosca, G. (2004). Physics for scientists and engineers: Mechanics, oscillations and

waves, and thermodynamics. New York, NY: W. H. Freeman.

20 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Craft a Raft

Make a raft with a sail that will stay afloat for at least 1 minute while carrying the heaviest load.

Activity Preparationa. https://vimeo.com/27603039b. http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-lets-talk-buoyancy.

htmlc. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lasalle/buoybasics.htmld. http://vimeo.com/26932507

Additional ReadingSchmidt, B. (2010). Chronology of known Mark Twain speeches, public readings,

and lectures. Retrieved from http://www.marktwainquotes.com Teachers’ Domain. (2004). Buoyancy brainteasers: Buoyancy question. Retrieved

from http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.matter.buoquTeachers’ Domain. (2004). Density and buoyancy: Pouring air into water.

Retrieved from http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.matter.zbubble

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 21Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

CD Car

Make a car that will travel the furthest while carrying weight.

Activity Preparationa. http://vimeo.com/26898353 b. http://www.history.com/shows/modern-marvels/videos/who-

invented-the-wheel#who-invented-the-wheelc. http://www.howstuffworks.com/engine.htm d. http://www.pitara.com/discover/5wh/online.asp?story=28e. https://vimeo.com/26894196

Additional Lesson Resources w Site about the wheel’s invention: http://inventors.about.com/od/wstart

inventions/a/wheel.htm w Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry for the internal combustion engine:

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/290504/internal- combustion-engine

Additional ReadingBerger, M. L. (2001). The automobile in American history and culture: A reference

guide. Westport, CT: Greenwood.

22 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

It’s Getting Hot in Here

Make a solar oven that cooks an egg the fastest.

Activity Preparationa. http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/energy-

environment/solar-powerb. http://inventors.about.com/od/fstartinventors/ss/Franklin_invent_

2.htmc. http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/solar.htm d. http://vimeo.com/26938601e. http://www.pspb.org/e21/media/SolarCooker.htmlf. http://solarcooking.org/sbcdes.htm

Additional Lesson Resources w SunWind solar energy site with lessons, links, and information: http://

www.sunwindsolar.com/a_scripts/n_lessons.php w Earth Times site with information about plants and how they use solar

energy: http://www.earthtimes.org/energy/learning-solar-lessons-plant- world/1404

Additional ReadingHassett, T. C., & Borgerson, K. L. (2009). Harnessing nature’s power: Deploying

and financing on-site renewable energy. Retrieved from http://pdf.wri.org/harnessing_natures_power.pdf

National Association of Energy Service Companies. (2008). Resources: What is an ESCO? Retrieved from http://www.naesco.org/resources/esco.htm

Perlin, J. (1999). From space to Earth: The story of solar electricity. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 23Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

The Amazing Trampoline Act

Make a trampoline that will provide an object with the highest rebound.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.funny-games.biz/trampoline.html b. http://www.cbc.ca/kids/games/trampolinec. http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/goalkeepery/1519921 d. http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/dapontes/843278

Additional ReadingShea, K. (2011). The history of trampoline gymnastics. Retrieved from http://

www.livestrong.com/article/353501-the-history-of-trampoline-gymnasticsWright Stuff Enterprises. (2006–2011). The history of trampolines. Retrieved

from http://www.jumpingontrampoline.com/trampolinehistory

24 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah

Make a zip line that will carry an object a specific distance (about 10 feet across) and be able to

stop at a specific location without damaging or dropping the object. Every team that accomplishes

this challenge will be declared victorious!

Activity Preparationa. http://vimeo.com/27164844b. http://vimeo.com/27163861

Additional ReadingBranson Zip Lines. (n.d.). The history of the zip line tour. Retrieved from

http://bransonziplinetour.com/Branson-Zip-Line-Tour-Articles/Zip-Line-History/index.html

Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc. 25Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

Breaking Down Barriers

Construct a battering ram capable of knocking over other teams’ walls. Construct a wall to withstand

the forces of other teams’ battering rams.

Activity Preparationa. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_w4FGgOVsMb. http://www.castles.me.uk/battering-ram.htmc. http://science.discovery.com/videos/what-the-ancients-knew-the-

battering-ram.htmld. https://vimeo.com/38339356

Additional ReadingCastles and Manor Houses Resources. (2010). Medieval warfare. Retrieved from

http://www.medievalwarfare.info

26 Hands-On Engineering © Prufrock Press Inc.Permission is granted to photocopy or reproduce this page for single classroom use only.

World’s Fair

Construct a design that serves a particular purpose or addresses a specific problem in society.

Activity Preparationa. http://pbskids.org/designsquad/projects/index.html