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Unit 2: Materials and Structures

monster about to sneeze

How does snot work?

Hands-on Activities

Make some fake snot and explore the function of mucus in this fun activity.

How many drops of water can you rest on one coin?

How many drops of water can you rest on one coin?

Hands-on Activities

Explore surface tension in this hands on challenge activity.

Paddleboat on the Fraser River, BC

How can we make a paddle boat?

Hands-on Activities

Make and test a model paddle boat and learn about potential and kinetic energy.

How do scuba divers sink?

How do scuba divers sink?

Hands-on Activities

It’s not easy to dive deep underwater. How do divers get down deep? Learn how scuba divers manipulate density to move up and down in this hands on activity.

How does detergent work?

How does detergent work?

Hands-on Activities

Become a pro at washing dishes! Learn how the chemical structure of detergent makes it perfect for attracting grease and grime.

Swivel hook fastener

Exploring Objects, Materials and Fasteners

Lessons

Students identify and sort objects, including fasteners, according to material and purpose.

How can I build a rollercoaster?

How can I build a rollercoaster?

Hands-on Activities

Try your hand at building a “super coaster” using materials around your home.

How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?

How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?

Hands-on Activities

Can you think like an engineer? Try to solve a tricky size and shape problem in this activity.

How can I make a bottle rocket?

How can I make a bottle rocket?

Hands-on Activities

Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.

Bee exiting a bee house

Design & Build a Bee House

Lessons

Students will learn about the human impacts on bee populations as they design, test, build and observe a structure for solitary bees.

Sunken boat

Design & Build a Floating Device

Lessons

Students work collaboratively to design and build a floating device.

Shoe tread (aligraham, Pixabay)

Design & Build a Non-Slip Boot Tread

Lessons

Students work collaboratively to design and build a boot tread that will use friction to prevent slipping on an incline.

Skyscrapers

Tall Towers & Sustainable Cities

Lessons

Students will design and build a model apartment building and learn how buildings such as these can be a solution for suburban sprawl.

Can we make butter?

Can we make butter?

Hands-on Activities

Do you like butter? Find out how easy it is to make!

Working on Planning Drawings

Careers: Architect

Picture Collections

5 images of some work that architects do such as designing buildings and making blueprints