If I had to identify two people that I might ask to teach me a thing or two about “making stuff,” it would be Slater Harrison and Arvind Gupta. Both Slater and Arvind have a lot of pertinent, in expensive ideas for STEM-related activities that feature “hands-on” work with materials.
Slater Harrison (aka, The Science Toy Maker) offers the following activities on his website, Science Toy Maker:
- Static Electricity Flyers: The scientific magic of hovering grocery bags seems like a fun way to explain static electricity and positive/negative charges.
- Walkalong Gliders: Explore aerodynamic lift with gliders that seem to never land.
- Put-Put Boats: Although metal cans, scissors, and fire are potential hazards, building a put-put boat connects to physics and steam engines. Plus it is pretty cool.
Arvind Gupta talked about his creations during a TED talk, and he provides examples and instructions on his Toys from Trash page:
- Straw Pump: Build a simple water pump using straws, beads, and small metal balls.
- Floating Forks: Can you make two forks balance on a toothpick? Arvind can show you how…
- Paper Protractor: Create more than a dozen different angles by folding a square sheet of paper.