Communication & Technology
I have keys but no lock. I press letters but can't read. In 1808, I freed a blind man's words from silence. What am I?
Typewriter
I bend but don't break. In the 1930s, a father twisted me to help his daughter drink without struggle. Now everyone sips through me at parties and hospitals alike. What am I?
Bendy/Flexible Straws
I vibrate but don't ring. I was born in 1954 for hands too weak to scrub. Now I buzz millions of teeth clean while you barely hold me. What am I?
Electric Toothbrush
I am the gentle slope where the street meets the sidewalk. Born to lower wheelchairs, I've lifted strollers, luggage, and skateboarders. I make the world smoother. What am I?
Curb Cuts/ Sidewalk Ramps
When does Explorations officially begin?
Thursday, February 5th
Born from tired hands that hurt with every click, I let you squeeze and dance your fingers across glass. Now you can't imagine phones without me. What am I?
Touchscreen
I am thick and squishy where others are thin and hard. A man designed me to help his wife's aching hands. Now millions grip me in kitchens, and my name is a double letter shape. What am I?
OXO Good Grips
I rip and I stick. I need no laces or threading. Soft on one side, spiky on the other, I stick together like magic. Originally I helped fingers that couldn't tie. What am I?
Velcro
I open without being touched, and I shut on my own. First designed for those whose bodies wouldn't cooperate, now I rescue people with full arms and tired legs everywhere. What am I?
Automatic Doors
True or False - I can work with anyone in the 7th grade
False - You can only collaborate with peers in your assigned class
I started as a solution for hands that couldn't type or click. Now millions use me to control their world without lifting a finger. I respond to your words and remember your voice. What am I?
Voice Assistant (examples: Siri, Alexa, Bixby, etc)
I'm round, I'm small, and I work while you sleep. I was invented so hands didn't have to push brooms anymore. Now I'm in millions of homes, cleaning up after chaos. What am I?
Robotic Vacuum
I was born in space but landed in your bedroom. I mold to your body and remember your shape. Designed to cushion astronauts, now I comfort anyone in pain. What am I?
Memory Foam
I'm a blanket that wears YOU instead of you wearing me. My sleeves hang free while I wrap you in warmth. Perfect for anyone whose hands need freedom—wheelchairs, remote controls, and more. What am I?
Snuggie
What subject areas will the Explo Project graded upon?
Math, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Your project must address all four subject areas.
I am a voice reading stories you cannot see. Born in 1932 on spinning vinyl, I've traveled through decades—from records to cassettes to digits. I give sight through sound. What am I?
Audiobooks
I sense you without touching you. I give you bubbles without you asking. Born for those whose hands couldn't push and turn, I became indispensable during the world's biggest health scare. What am I?
Automatic Soap Dispenser
I weigh more than I should, but my heaviness is a comfort. I was designed to mimic the calming pressure of a loving hug, soothing anxious minds and racing hearts. Now wandering thoughts find peace beneath me. What am I?
Weighted Blanket
I was born in medical offices for shaking hands and stiff fingers—those with cerebral palsy, arthritis, and tremors. Now I'm in every classroom, helping young fingers learn to grip and grow stronger. I soothe and steady. What am I?
Penci Grips
How many points is this Explo Project worth?
In total the rubric assesses your project out of 24 points. Your average will be entered into DOE Grades.