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Simple Machines
What's the best way to use a simple machine to solve a real-world problem? Scholars construct their own simple and complex machines to explore the concepts of work and force. They discuss examples of simple machines they have found in...
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Design of Music Instruments for a Rock Band
Can you create a rock band? Scholars learn about the creation and transmission of sound in a hands-on STEM activity. First, they explore the transmission of sound using a tuning fork. Then, they must solve the problem of missing...
Purdue University
Can You Design and Construct a Better Candy Bag?
Bag the sweet resource for later use! Pupils learn about engineering design by developing a new, improved bag for candy from thin plastic sheets or from paper. The bags are to be visually appealing, but should also be functional. To...
Purdue University
Design of a Canal for a New Water Park in Lafayette
Erosion is no match for our canals. Learners first perform experiments to test the amount of erosion for different materials and different slopes. Based on the results, they design ditches or canals that carry water from one location to...
Purdue University
Slow Boat Design
Don't be a drag. Learners work in groups to design boats that move slowly. The provided reason for the activity is that a fish caught on a fishing reel is pulling the boat, causing it to move too fast. The STEM activity teaches the class...
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Designing Safer Roadways
Be careful on curvy roads. An interesting STEM activity challenges scholars to design a safe road system. The goal is to help ensure that cars coming down a hill will be able to make a right turn without sliding off the road. Pupils test...
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Design of a Green Roof
Help scholars develop a green thumb by building a green roof. Groups first grow lettuce seeds under normal conditions, then they try to grow the seeds in trays that are slanted by 45 degrees. They learn about tropism and engineering...
Purdue University
Lifeguard Chair
Save the class from a lack of engineering experience. An engaging STEM activity has learners work in groups to design a lifeguard chair out of masking tape and index cards. They build and test prototypes, all while learning about the...
Purdue University
Design of a Door Alarm
How does electricity work? Budding scientists explore the concepts of electrical currents and open and closed circuits with class discussion and a hands-on activity using a battery to turn on a light bulb. Learners also make predictions...
Purdue University
Sound Absorption Wall
What types of materials absorb sound? Learners explore sound waves, the decibel scale, and how different materials affect sound. Then, they use their knowledge of sound meters to complete a STEM engineering design task to build...
Purdue University
Design of an Earthen Dam for a Lafayette Neighborhood
How do dams support bodies of water? Scholars engage in a hands-on STEM activity where they design, build, and test dams to learn about bodies of water and how humans use natural resources. They learn how criteria and constraints affect...
Purdue University
Bio Inspired Design Paper Flowers
Can paper flowers have some of the same properties as real flowers? First, learners investigate how water is absorbed into a flower through capillary action by using real flowers, yarn, and paper. Then, they have an opportunity to create...
Purdue University
Email Etiquette for Students
What's the best way to discuss a problem or concern with a professor? Using a helpful PowerPoint, scholars learn how to use e-mail to communicate effectively with their instructors. They discover good and bad e-mail topics, appropriate...
Purdue University
Healthy Body Image: Healthy Exercises for Every Body
From three-way neck rolls to a figure-5 hurdler's stretch, this is an ultimate guide to healthy exercises. It begins with a bulleted list of general guidelines on cardiorespiratory exercise, flexibility, resistance exercises, and range...
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Sentence Fragments Exercise 2
In this sentence fragment exercise, learners are given paragraphs to proofread for sentence fragments. Students are given space to make revisions.
Purdue University
Purdue Engineering/wellhead Protection
This resource describes what well head protection is, what you can do, case studies, why you should care, and related links.
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Purdue University: 3 D Earth Structure Model
Take a journey to the center of the Earth and learn about the structure, material properties, and conditions inside our planet.
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Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Index
A comprehensive index of aromatic and medicinal plants with several bibliographical sources for each plant.
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Purdue University: Medical Entomology: Horse and Deer Flies
Horse flies and deer flies are significant pests to both humans and animals. This site describes their life cycles, feeding patterns, and some methods of controlling them.
Purdue University
Woman Artists of the American West: Women in Photography
A site by Peter Palmquist on Women photographers and the American Indian. There are biographies and images from thirteen women who were active during the latter part of the 19th century.
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Purdue University: Pottery by American Indian Women
A fabulous collection of information and photos of American Indian potters. There are several color images and multiple pages of the history behind these talented artists.
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George Palmer Putnam Collection of Amelia Earhart Papers
The world's largest collection of Amelia Earhart papers, memorabilia and artifacts.
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Purdue University: Rube Goldberg Contest at Purdue
Great information on this nationally renowned Rube Goldberg design contest. Excellent descriptions and photos of machines are included.
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Purdue University: A Basic Overview of Aquaculture [Pdf]
A vocational discussion of aquaculture that includes a history of the field, its environmental impact, use of water, and the like. (Published in 1900.)