In Lego Car Rally students are challenged to build cars from Lego's that are tested on a ramp course to see how far they will travel, and on a "Tiltboard" to be exposed to Center of Gravity. In the activity students are encouraged to: systematically alter variables as they modify their cars, consider trade-offs between different design elements, and consider the effects of friction and center of gravity. This fun activity provides students with hands-on, mechanical engineering design experience.

In this activity, students are introduced to the concepts of open and closed circuits and electrical components such as wire, resistors, LED's and a battery so that they can build their very own quizboard. After designing the quiz questions themselves, students learn how to cut and strip wire and make electronic connections. Then, each student solders their electrical connections together. To complete the activity, students wire the board together and take their completed quizboard home.

After inspecting a "real" flashlight, students hypothesize about and draw the electrical connections in the flashlight. Students are then introduced to the convention of using schematics for illustrating electrical parts. Using these schematics, they design, build and solder their own circuit. Placing the circuit into the Flashlight casing and decorating the outside provides an exiting end to this activity.

In this activity, pairs of students are challenged to build a slow car using a Motorized Lego kit. Students begin with a bicycle building activity which introduces the concepts of gearing down and gear ratios. Students then build a motorized car built with a pulley system. They then utilize the knowledge gained by these practice vehicles to design cars that are timed on a course to see how slow they can go. Students are encouraged to modify and alter their design throughout the experience. This activity provides students with a hands-on, mechanical engineering design experience.

In this building workshop, students will learn about beams, columns, suspensions, arches, and trusses as they design and construct 10' bridges out of recycled materials.

Tired of the "current" cost of energy? This workshop introduces and investigates alternative energy sources, focusing on the greatest source of all, solar power. Students learn how and why solar cells work.

This program challenges students to explore the wonderful world of stroboscopy. Fun activities for students and educators include making a 19th-century optical toy, manipulating an electronic stroboscope, and a visit to the exhibition, Flashes of Inspiration. Flashes of Inspiration explores the extraordinary ingenuity of Harold Edgerton through historic photographs, artifacts (including his cameras and lamps), and reproductions from his laboratory notebooks.

Hands-on activities and discussion help students understand the frequencies of the visible light spectrum. Students will create blends of the primary colors and examine the unusual phenomena of the Benham's Disk. Each student will assemble a take- home spectroscope and experiment with a variety of lights and colors.

Explore this pyramid TOMB with your team, working together using mind and body to overcome each of the pharaoh's challenges as you make your way through the intricate rooms towards the burial chamber. Your journey is loaded with stunning special effects, from lasers and fog to water and air, to dazzling computer- controlled lighting and booming stereo sound. Success is by no means guaranteed. If your team fails to complete its tasks successfully or on time, you will learn how the pharaoh deals with inferior performance. Be on the lookout because there is never a shortage of surprises in the TOMB!

An array of activities, demonstrations and interactive displays showcasing the museum's world-famous mineral collections and the expertise of members of the Boston Mineral Club. Bring in mineral specimens you have found for identification. Learn about mineral collecting in New England and identifying techniques. See live animals and discover the ways minerals are used in daily life. Everyone, from rock hounds to aspiring collectors and their friends of all ages will find something to enjoy. Admire a 1,642 pound amethyst geode, and explore meteorites from around the world. Free with museum admission.

Directions via MBTA: Red Line to Harvard Square; or commuter rail to Porter Square. Wheelchair accessible. Free parking in the adjacent garage for this event.