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Ever wonder who puts the action into action figures or creates those cool games that line toy-store shelves? Engineers do. Americans spend $22 million a year on toys, and manufacturers need electrical, mechanical, industrial, and safety engineers to develop new products and improve old favorites. This month's activity will rev your toy designers' imaginations. Happy holidays!
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| Activity: Build-a-Toy Workshop
 In this hands-on activity, teams of students in grades 3 - 5 apply the engineering design process to create prototype toys with moving parts. They set up electric circuits using batteries, wire, and motors, and plan materials to meet budget constraints.
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RELATED LESSONS
Be Inventive (Grades 4-8)
Design and Race a Solar Car (Grades 6-8)
Funny Putty (Grades 1-8)
MORE LESSONS:
Grades K-5 | Grades 6-8 | Grades 9-12
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Feature: Toy Engineering
 From the iconic rubber ducky to GoldieBlox, a new construction activity for girls, the work of toy designers and engineers includes having fun thinking up new ways for kids to play and learn.
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RELATED FEATURES:
Engineering Students Design Toys
Building Blocks: Back to Basics
DIY Magnetic Silly Putty
3-D Printing: From Toys to Organs
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| Spotlight: Engineering For You Video Contest
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the National Academy of Engineering is offering a $25,000 prize for the most inspiring short video made by students in middle school or older that shows how engineering innovations from 1964 to 2064 address societal needs.
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Announcements
Science Essay Competition. -- The Dupont contest awards more than $100,000 to students in grades 7 - 12 and their sponsoring teachers. Submit by Jan. 31, 2014. Learn more.
Free Summer Science Program. -- Graduating high school seniors can apply by March 1 to represent their state at the prestigious National Youth Science Camp in W. Va. Learn more.
STEM Learning Resources. -- Pathways to Science has a searchable database of more than 1,500 professional development and other programs for teachers and students. Learn more.
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 It's never too early to learn about engineering. Along with our 5th Edition magazine and classroom cards, Engineering, Go For It offers an engaging children's book in its collection of learning materials.
"If I Were an Engineer," from the American Society for Engineering Education, is a fun, 40-page rhyming book that introduces engineering to kids 5 to 8 years old. It includes a parent page that explains the various engineering disciplines. Price: $7.95 Now available in our store. |
