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Engineering Design Challenges

These are engineering design challenges we're using as STEM class lessons in Spring 2015. Links to additional resources for more are included too!

Challenge #1 - Paper Table

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/sets/72157652030812066/
Summary: With your team in 20 minutes, construct a table using provided materials that will support a heavy dictionary at least 8 inches off the table for at least 60 seconds.

Materials:
  1. 20 pieces of newspaper
  2. 3 feet of masking tape
  3. 1 piece of cardboard
  4. 1 dictionary
Restrictions:
  1. Materials CANNOT be directly taped to the table

Inspirational / Related Sites:

Challenge #2 - Straw Structures

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/sets/72157651640806187/
Summary: With your team in 20 minutes, build a straw structure that can support a tennis ball above the table for 15 seconds or more. Measure the height.

Materials:
  1. 25 straws
  2. 3 feet of masking tape
  3. 1 tennis ball
  4. Ruler

Inspirational / Related Sites:

Challenge #3 - Pipe Cleaner Structures

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/17051235847/sizes/n/
Summary: With your team in 20 minutes, build a structure with pipe cleaners that will support a cup with 50 pennies at least 3 inches off the table

Materials:
  1. 10 pipe cleaners
  2. Small plastic cup
  3. 50 pennies
  4. Ruler
Inspirational / Related Sites:





Challenge #4 - Tennis Ball Lego Tower

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wfryer/sets/72157652195377356
Summary: With your team in 20 minutes, build the tallest tower you can with Legos that will support a tennis ball above a table. Measure the height in inches from the tabletop to the top of the tennis ball.

Materials:
  1. Tub of assorted Lego bricks
  2. 1 tennis ball
  3. Ruler

Other Design Challenges We've Used As Lessons:



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