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