Engineering
DIY Spectroscope
Objective: Would you like to hold a rainbow in your hand? With a spectroscope, you can! You can make this device from simple materials you have at home. Then you can use it to learn more about light emitted around you. Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14)/Easy with help (ages 3-8) Safety Note: Never look directly…
Read MoreAstronauts Launch from US Tomorrow #LaunchAmerica
Astronauts have not launched from the United States since 2011, and tomorrow’s mission is the beginning of a new era of space travel. NASA and SpaceX will launch two astronauts on a mission to join the crew of the International Space Station. As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley…
Read MoreDIY Drawing Machine
DIY Drawing Machine Objective: Create a drawing machine to make complex mathematical patterns. Explore the science on how gears move. Have you ever played with a Spirograph? These drawing devices can create beautiful patterns and are fun to tinker with. If you have patience and some time, you can build your own drawing machine just…
Read MoreBuild a Droid Arm
Build a Droid Arm Objective: Can you make a droid arm that could pick up a cup? In the Star Wars universe, Droids are machines, but so much more! Droids do many functions that are too dangerous for organic beings to do, from being exposed to the conditions of deep space to serving in battles.…
Read MoreSpeeder Bike Hoop Glider Activity
Speeder Bike/Hoop Glider Objective: Make a glider and learn about the physics of flight. Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14) / Medium (ages 6-8) Download (PDF): Speeder Bike Hoop Glider Instruction Page Video Instructions: Between two Breakers Materials: 2 Straws Black permanent marker Clear tape Scissors Pencil Brown cardstock or construction paper Template Have you ever…
Read MoreSpace Blaster Sound Effect Activity
Space Sound Maker (Pew Pew Blaster SFX) Objective: You can make a sound effect generator that sounds like a space blaster! It is perfect for Star Wars Day, so gather up your materials and get started! Pew pew pew! Difficulty Level: Easy (ages 8-14)/Medium (ages 6-8) Download (PDF): Space Blaster Sound Effect Activity Materials Large paper…
Read MoreEdible Kyber Crystals
Edible Kyber Crystals Objective: In the Star Wars universe kyber crystals are rare, and prized because they were essential to constructing a lightsaber. You can observe how sugar crystals form in this activity. Difficulty Level: Easy with help (ages 5-10)/Medium (ages 10-14) *This project involves using a stove. Be sure that you have an adult’s…
Read MoreHow to Build a Kaleidoscope
Our giant walk-in kaleidoscope at ScienceWorks is always a favorite place for visitors. Have you ever tried using our walk-in kaleidoscope, by yourself or with friends? Have you ever wondered how it works? You can make your own kaleidoscope at home, using some simple materials you have around the house. Then you can try your…
Read MoreEgg Protector Science Activity
Objective: Make an egg protector, a device to keep the egg shell from breaking when you drop it. Difficulty: Easy (Ages 8-14); Easy with help (Ages 2-8) Download and Print (PDF): Egg Protector Project Video Instructions: Between two Breakers Materials: Here are some of the items and materials that can be used in the egg…
Read MoreInsect Hotel: Earth Day Engineering Project
Objective: We can encourage beneficial insects to our yards by making them an insect hotel. Difficulty Level: Easy (all ages) Download and Print (PDF): Earth Day Engineering Project: Insect Hotels Materials: A large plastic bin or box Pine needles, Pine cones Sticks, Bark 2 or 4 bricks Empty 2 liter bottles Soil Paper towels A…
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