The Science Spot



"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Thomas Edison Challenge your students to use their imaginations, scientific knowledge, and a box of "junk" to create a variety of devices that perform an assortment of tasks. The projects target technological design standards and incorporate others depending on the project. Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for tips to help you design your own Junk Box Wars Challenge for your students. The Junk Box Wars projects are modeled after the Junkyard Wars TV show that aired on the Learning Channel network. Project Library Browse through our ready-to-use projects to find a challenge for your students. Project Resources Project worksheets, checklists, rubric, and more to help you coordinate your event. NOTE: All links previously availble on the Kid Zone are now listed in the Sites for Students area. Please provide the links your students need for assignments through your LMS or teacher website. Buy the Junkyard Wars Classroom video kits! Next Generation Science Standards: MS. Engineering Design Students who demonstrate understanding can: MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions. MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success. MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. Note: Other standards can be addressed depending on the project. \| Back to top \|

The Science Spot was developed in March 1999 by Tracy Tomm Science Teacher @ Havana Junior High, Havana, IL. Activities, lessons, & worksheets available on any page of this web site are intended for use by a single teacher in his/her classroom or to share at educational conferences. Reproduction for commercial use or profit is not permitted without the consent of Tracy (Trimpe) Tomm. Visit my Frequently Asked Questions page for more details.