Cornell University
Catapults
Ready, aim, fire! Launch to a new level of understanding as scholars build and test their own catapults. Learners explore lever design and how adjusting the fulcrum changes the outcome.Â
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Make a Snowflake
Students study the design of snowflakes.  In this snow lesson, students discover the different shapes of a snowflake, and their similarities.  Students study snowflakes outside, then create their own with popsicle sticks and glue.
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9th Grade Transition Algebra
Ninth graders examine mathematical patterns. In this algebra lesson, 9th graders collaborate to think outside the box and share solutions to problems they have encountered. Students use popsicle sticks to solve various building problems...
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Arts and Engineering Activity Packet: Grades 3-5
Art and science sometimes go hand in hand. A set of four activities for learners in grades 3-5 teaches engineering concepts as part of art projects. Class members build homemade robots, elastic puppets, musical instruments, and...
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Bridge Building lab
Students investigate the 4 types of bridges and their strengths and weaknesses at an Internet Website. They describe one type of bridge that they have seen. Students pair off and face each other with their palms touching and feet flat...
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Building a Model Courtroom
Students construct a model of the Supreme Court's courtroom. They design the courtroom in such a way so that the architecture and furnishings in the courtroom represent the neutrality and power of the court.
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Creating a Shelter
First graders create a small usable shelter for a small animal or an insect. In this shelter lesson plan, 1st graders use popsicle sticks, tree twigs, bottles, and more to build a shelter in groups.
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Cornmeal with Powder Paint
Pre schoolers use art to build observational skills and eye-hand coordination. They squeeze art into a ribbon like shape on their paper, then sprinkle cornmeal and powder paint over it. They watch as water is sprayed on top of the...
Cornell University
Forensic Science: Case of the Missing Diamond Maker
Someone stole a diamond-making machine. Who done it? Scholars use forensic science at six different stations to determine the culprit. They analyze fingerprints, use their senses, and complete chemistry experiments to determine the...
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Building Log Cabins
Fourth graders design and create a log cabin in this lesson. They use ratios to help make dimensions of a house. They draw out how they want their house to look and gather the materials they need to complete the house. The log cabins...
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Ship Building in Action
Students define the purpose of several different types of boats. They develop a list of materials one would ideally use in the construction of a particular type of boat. Students work cooperatively in a group to decide what type of boat...
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Planning a Trip for Christopher Columbus
First graders plan a trip for Christopher Columbus. They use their math skills to construct a ship for Columbus' voyage. They show their ship and calculations to their classmates and build graphs to show the amount of supplies needed to...
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Lever as a Simple Machine
Students study the three different types of levers and develop a simple machine. In this levers and simple machines lesson, students look at different types of levers, and experiment with a ruler and a marshmallow to determine how they...
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Simple Machines, Odd Machines
Students recognize and identify common objects that can be used as a lever. For this simple machines lesson, students experiment with materials to design and construct a machine that uses a lever. Students also design and build a catapult.
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Catapult Creations
Third graders design and build a catapult. In this lever instructional activity, 3rd graders collect a variety of lever type objects. Students build a catapult and launch marshmallows or crumpled paper and see who can hit the...
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Native American Homes
Fifth graders research and create a model of a Native American home. In pairs, they conduct research on a selected type of Native American home, then draw designs for their building construction. Students then construct their model...
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Robots All Around Us
Student work in design teams to research robots, create a drawing of a robot they want to make, build a prototype of their robot, present their prototype and research, and write a descriptive paragraph about their creation.
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Metis
Fifth graders investigate the development of Canada. In this Metis people lesson, 5th graders create a replica of the Red River Cart. Students work in groups or individually to brainstorm materials that they will need to build their...
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Mail An Egg Rules
In this mail an egg activity, learners are given directions to construct a container that will protect an egg using the least possible materials. Students build their structures and mail their egg to another classroom.
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LEGO Mini-Golf
Students work together in teams to build a LEGO golf course. They build holes with sensors on them for the golf balls. They answer questions about their project to end the lesson.
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Types of Houses
Students orally name the kinds of houses in which people live. They name materials used in building houses in other countries. They construct a house.
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Metric Measuring
Students design their dream gardens and work together to build a class model. They use software to create a virtual model. They only use metric measurements.
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Jobs in the Community
Students build a mobile representing different jobs in the community. In this economics instructional activity, students discuss the importance of working for money, brainstorm various jobs, and look through pictures and magazines to...
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Social Studies: Renaissance
Students explore Renaissance architecture. In this Renaissance lesson, students view a slideshow featuring architecture of the era and then discuss the math skills used to the build the structures. Student build their own replicas of...