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Lesson: Nano Waterproofing

This “Nano Waterproofing” lesson explores how materials can be modified at the nano scale to provide features such as waterproofing and stain resistance. Student teams develop their own waterproofing technique for a cotton fabric and test their design against a fabric that has been altered through nanotechnology applications.

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Lesson: Energy Transfer in Musical Instruments

Energy transfer is a central concept in the majority of engineering designs, including designs for musical instruments. In this lesson, students will grasp the concepts of energy and energy transfer, and then apply what they’ve learned by designing and building their own musical instruments.

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Lesson: The Luge

Austrian Luge Championships 2010 by Christian JanskyStudents build a simulated luge track and make predictions about the impact of surface type, wind resistance, size of slope, and shape of luge on their track; test their predictions by conducting several simulated luge runs; and make conclusions about the effects of physical forces on the sport of luging.

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Olympic Speed Skating Puzzle

From the hinge in the slap skate to the texture of the swift suit, engineering enhances athletic achievement. Challenge your students to test their knowledge of the technology used in this exciting Olympic sport with a fun crossword puzzle for grades 6-12. Clues can be found in this week’s feature on speed skating, and in the answer key.

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Olympics Matching Game

Where would the Olympians be without their carefully engineered hockey sticks, skates, and helmets? Have your students grades K-3 try their hand at this quick and fun matching game, as a way to prompt discussion on sports equipment. A Spanish version is also available.

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Lesson: Shapes of Africa

Shapes 1In this lesson plan, students learn how to find shapes in their world. With the help of the children’s book A Triangle for Adaora by Ifeoma Onyefulu, which shares the experience of a young Nigerian girl as she looks for a triangle around her, students learn the basic shapes, then go looking for them in magazines. They then present their findings to the class as shape researchers. This lesson also incorporates cultural learning.

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Activity: Who Invented the Cotton Gin?

In this activity, students debate who invented the cotton gin. They come to realize the complexity of the seemingly simple historical statement: “Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin.” A follow-up discussion explores the nature of invention, the importance of history, and the nature of historical evidence.

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Lesson: Save Our City!

Tornado by NOAAStudents learn about various natural hazards and specific methods engineers use to prevent these hazards from becoming natural disasters. They study a hypothetical map of an area covered with natural hazards and decide where to place natural disaster prevention devices by applying their critical thinking skills and an understanding of the causes of natural disasters.

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Lesson: Privacy–What’s the Big Deal?

In this lesson on cybersecurity, students grades 6-8 explore the concept of privacy in their everyday lives and as it relates to visiting Web sites. Students will explore privacy in a real-world setting and in cyberspace; understand why companies collect information about visitors on their Web sites; and learn to use online privacy terms.

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