How well can you launch a ping-pong ball? Small groups design launchers that can launch a ping-pong ball 20 feet into a target. The teams follow the engineering design process as they develop a solution that meets the design requirements. The groups collect and evaluate data from their prototype testing and make recommendations for revisions. 

Concepts

prototypes, engineering design, design, elements of design, constraints, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Research the engineering design process and review it with the class before beginning the process
• Have the teams share their design drawings with other teams to get feedback and suggestions

Classroom Considerations

• You need an open space in order for teams to test their designs
• The challenge is the first of a four-part series

Pros

• The worksheets are in PDF and docx format
• Contains assessments to check for pupil understanding before, during, and after the activity

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.SP.B.4 6.SP.B.5.a MP4