MS-ETS1-2
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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Kid inventors win big with a sign in the sky
A team of kids designed a high-flying sign to help disaster victims get critical information during a potential blackout.
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Rocket competition a blast for young scientists
Young rocket scientists competed in Washington, D.C. last month, flying rockets with precious cargo: eggs. The top 10 teams split $60,000 in prizes.
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Climate
This umbrella ‘listens’ to rain — for science
Scientists have developed an umbrella that ‘listens’ to falling raindrops. One day, a fleet of such simple rain gauges may help scientists better map weather patterns and changes in Earth’s water supplies.
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Earth
Nifty science
Inspired research put select high school seniors on the path to the 2014 Intel Science Talent Search finals.
By Sid Perkins -
Animals
Mosquitoes, be gone!
An extract of local seeds in Puerto Rico may be the key to keeping mosquitoes away. It kills the larval insects and repels the biting adults.
By Sid Perkins -
Tech
The road less worn
Two teens have found a new use for old tires. By grinding them up and adding them to asphalt, the old rubber can create stronger, longer-lived roads. And the bonus: The process recycles tires that might otherwise have been burned, creating pollution.
By Sid Perkins -
Tech
Fighting theater pirates
How can theaters thwart thieves from unlawfully recording a movie during a showing? A high-school freshman’s low-cost solution relies on simple physics.
By Sid Perkins -
Tech
Making magic with mechanical engineering
As kids, we all want to make magic. But Michelle Phillips took that dream further. She realized that she wanted to build rides for amusement parks.
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Science & Society
Students use STEM to help their community
Every community has its problems. A nationwide contest encourages students to tap science to solve local needs.
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Teaching clean energy with the power of wind
A build-your-own wind energy machine can be a fun and inexpensive way to practice engineering and discover the power of wind.
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Physics
Sending student science to space
Two teachers describe how they worked with the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program to get middle-school scientists excited about research and space.
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Physics
Filter lets in only the right light
Scientists have built a light filter that only permits light coming from one desired angle to pass through. Built from alternating layers of transparent materials, it could help minimize the glare in telescopes and cameras or boost the efficiency of solar cells.