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

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:

  1. Design a Sturdy Paper Table by eGFI

Challenge #2 - Straw Structures

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

Challenge #3 - Pipe Cleaner Structures

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:

  1. Based on a lesson by Bethany Ligon

Challenge #4 - Tennis Ball Lego Tower

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

Inspirational / Related Sites: