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Inquiry Zone Institute of Engineering
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Dear Crossroads students,

Humans are the only animals that invent and make machines. The machines we make are used to build skyscrapers, launch astronauts to space, lift heavy loads, and move things faster than the speed of sound. The scientists that build machines are called engineers. They do tests and experiments to invent new machins and make old ones work better. Without engineers we wouldn't have such things as pencil sharpeners, clocks, tools, engines, or space shuttles.

In the Inquiry Zone, you will have the chance to be engineers, try your hand at existing machines, build bridges and towers, and engineer marble runs.

Catapults
Catapults are examples of engineering dating back to the Middle Ages (1400 AD).
Tower Building
How tall a tower can you build using simple materials? Try your hand at this feat of engineering.
Windmills
Windmills
Building Bridges
One of the challenges engineers face is building bridges that can hold up to earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods.
Small Engine Mechanics
Many machines are powered by a small gas engine. Engineers developed the technology to use the controlled explosion created by the firing of a small amount of gasoline to power machines.
Balls on the Rebound
Visit the On the Rebound Drop Chamber Investigate to find out why balls bounce. What influences how well they bounce. I can see balls bounce, but why do they? What causes them to do so? How high do they bounce? Conduct your experiments in the Drop Chamber. Explore this web resource as you seek the answers to these questions and more.
Inventions and Ideas
How creative are you?