University of California
South Coast Science Project: Mimicking Plants and Animals Lesson Plan
In this lesson, young scholars are challenged to think about external features that animals and plants have that humans have copied. Students then apply their engineering skills to design a jacket. In addition, this activity introduces...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Engineer a Sneaker
The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering that go into the design of a sneaker. The bottom or sole of a sneaker provides support, cushioning, and traction. In addition the sole is flexible and can have some fashion...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Newspaper Tower
Students will be challenged to design and construct a tower out of newspaper. They will have limited supplies including newspaper, tape, and scissors since engineers are often restricted by economic reasons as to how much material they...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Design Requirement Examples
The design requirements for a science project will differ from those of anyone else because it will apply to a specific problem statement and the product, system, or experience that is being designed. In the table, are some examples of...
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Bee Hummer
An engineering design project to use simple materials to make an instrument to mimic the sound of a swarm of bees.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Leaning Tower: Where It Stands Today
Will the Leaning Tower of Pisa give way to gravity? In this interview from the NOVA Web site, engineer John Burland relates the difficult job of saving the tower.
Other
National Engineers Week Foundation: Flinker
Students investigate with common objects to see if they can make something that neither floats nor sinks, but rather "flinks" in the middle.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Built to Last?
In this activity, the students test the shelters they built in Lesson 3, Activity 1 for durability and water resistance.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Finding Food in the Amazon
In this activity, the students will investigate a variety of plants and animals common to the Amazon through research. They will determine the plant or animal characteristics that make them edible or useful for the trip and learn to...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Anchors Away
In this activity, the students will discover the relationship between an object's mass and the amount of space it takes up (its volume). The students will learn about the concept of displacement and how an object can float if it...
The Tech Interactive
The Tech Museum of Innovation: Escape the Lava [Pdf]
In this engineering challenge, students will design devices to help "Justin Case" escape lava by using items in their backpacks to get Justin from one tree to another. Students will use the knowledge they gain from this engineering...
The Tech Interactive
The Tech Museum of Innovation: Animal Rescue [Pdf]
Scientists often need to gather information in order to form a deeper understanding of the problem. Can your team gather scientific evidence to help inform the design of a device that will help move endangered animals from one protected...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: The Power of Food
Students imagine they are stranded on an island and must create the brightest light possible with the meager supplies they have on hand in order to gain the attention of a rescue airplane.
Thinkport Education
Maryland Public Television: Topston Fitness Trail [Pdf]
The city council in Topston wants to build a fitness trail in a nearby park to help its citizens become more physically fit and puts you in charge of the task. This workbook will help guide you in making the big decisions and experience...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Putting Robots to Work With Force & Friction
Students learn about the concept of pushing, as well as the relationship between force and mass. Students practice measurement skills using pan scales and rulers to make predictions about mass and distance. A LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT robot is...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Trigonometry via Mobile Device
Students investigate the relationships between angles and side lengths in right triangles with the help of materials found in the classroom and a mobile device.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Gingerbread House Stem Challenge
In this activity, you will become an engineer and design and build a gingerbread house that must fulfill specific design requirements.
Better Lesson
Better Lesson: Those Darn Squirrels! Brainstorming Ideas
A silly read-aloud captures the attention of students who must jump right into action applying the engineering design process in an effort to stop the squirrels from eating the birdseed. To complete the brainstorming students will work...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Learn to Design an Ion Engine
The goal of this electricity and electronics science fair project is to understand how ions are used to propel spacecraft in space, and to use a NASA online simulator to design your own ion engine. The Science Buddies project ideas are...
Practical Action
Practical Action: Squashed Tomato Challenge
Challenge students to take on a real-life problem affecting people in Nepal. Many farmers living on the mountainside there grow fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes. To earn a living, they need to sell these at the local market. The...
Practical Action
Practical Action: Beat the Flood
Flooding due to climate change can have a devastating effect on people's lives. Set on the fictitious island of Watu, pupils explore how STEM skills can be used to help communities be better prepared for flooding. Students will work as a...
The Tech Interactive
The Tech Museum of Innovation: Bridging the Gap [Pdf]
Can your team build the appropriate bridge to fit the needs of various terrains? In this instructional activity, students will build an assigned bridge in order to increase knowledge of various types of bridges. Students will then engage...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Whirl Y Bird vs. Whale Y Bird
Improve the design of a very simple aircraft, the whirlybird, and learn about hydrodynamics and biomimicry in this science experiment. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Career Profile: Commercial and Industrial Designer
If you are interested in both art and engineering, you might like to investigate the career of commercial and industrial designer. This career designs products that are functional and pleasant to the eye. This Science Buddies site lays...