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STEM Projects That Tackle Real-World Problems

STEM learning is largely about designing creative solutions for real-world problems. When students learn within the context of authentic, problem-based STEM design, they can more clearly see the genuine impact of their learning. That kind of authenticity builds engagement, taking students from groans of “When will I ever use this?” to a genuine connection between skills and application.

Using STEM to promote critical thinking and innovation

“Educational outcomes in traditional settings focus on how many answers a student knows. We want students to learn how to develop a critical stance with their work: inquiring, editing, thinking flexibly, and learning from another person’s perspective,” says Arthur L. Costa in his book Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind . “The critical attribute of intelligent human beings is not only having information but also knowing how to act on it.”

Invention and problem-solving aren’t just for laboratory thinkers hunkered down away from the classroom. Students from elementary to high school can wonder, design, and invent a real product that solves real problems. “ Problem-solving involves finding answers to questions and solutions for undesired effects. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process (EDP) — an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and prototype design, along with testing and analysis,” says Ann Jolly in her book STEM by Design . “These iterative steps will involve your students in asking critical questions about the problem, and guide them through creating and testing actual prototypes to solve that problem.”

STEM projects that use real-world problems

Here are some engaging projects that get your students thinking about how to solve real-world problems.

Preventing soil erosion

In this project, meant for sixth – 12th grade, students learn to build a seawall to protest a coastline from erosion, calculating wave energy to determine the best materials for the job.  See the project.

Growing food during a flood

A natural disaster that often devastates communities, floods can make it difficult to grow food. In this project, students explore “a problem faced by farmers in Bangladesh and how to grow food even when the land floods.”  See the project .

Solving a city’s design needs

Get your middle or high school students involved in some urban planning. Students can identify a city’s issues, relating to things like transportation, the environment, or overcrowding — and design solutions. See the project here or this Lego version for younger learners.

Creating clean water

Too many areas of the world — including cities in our own country — do not have access to clean water. In this STEM project, teens will learn how to build and test their own water filtration systems.  See the project here .

Improving the lives of those with disabilities

How can someone with crutches or a wheelchair carry what they need? Through some crafty designs! This project encourages middle school students to think creatively  and  to participate in civic engagement.   See the project here .

Cleaning up an oil spill

We’ve all seen images of beaches and wildlife covered in oil after a disastrous spill. This project gets elementary to middle school students designing and testing oil spill clean-up kits. See the project here .

Building earthquake-resistant structures

With the ever-increasing amount of devastating earthquakes around the world, this project solves some major problems. Elementary students can learn to create earthquake resistant structures in their classroom. See the project here .

Constructing solar ovens

In remote places or impoverished areas, it’s possible to make solar ovens to safely cook food. In this project, elementary students construct solar ovens to learn all about how they work and their environmental and societal impact.  See the project here .

Stopping apple oxidization

Stop those apples from turning brown with this oxidation-based project. Perfect for younger learners, students can predict, label, count, and experiment! See the project here .

Advancing as a STEAM educator

The push for STEM has evolved into the STEAM movement, adding the arts for further enrichment and engagement. There are so many ways to embed STEM or STEAM lessons in your curriculum, but doing it well requires foundational knowledge and professional development. Imagine what type of impact you could have on your students and your community if you were supported by a theoretical framework, a variety of strategies, and a wealth of ideas and resources.

You may also like to read

  • Teaching STEM: Challenging Students to Think Through Tough Problems
  • Professional Development Resources for STEM Teachers
  • What is the Washington State STEM Lighthouse Program?
  • Characteristics of a Great STEAM Program
  • Building a Partnership Between Your School and a STEAM Organization
  • The Art of Inquiry in STEAM Education

Categorized as: Tips for Teachers and Classroom Resources

Tagged as: Art ,  Educational Technology ,  Engaging Activities ,  Math and Science ,  Science ,  STEAM

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21 Engineering Design Process Activities To Engage Critical Thinkers

April 5, 2023 //  by  Mike Dave Ayeni

Early exposure to engineering and design can generate in kids a lifelong interest in STEM areas and develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Yet, finding entertaining and age-appropriate activities that teach the engineering design process can be difficult. This article contains 21 engaging and interactive engineering design process exercises for educators to enjoy with their children. These activities are intended to help youngsters find a hands-on way to creatively provide design solutions to everyday problems.

1. The Process Explained

engineering problem solving activities

This is an excellent exercise for youngsters since it gives them a visual and interactive learning experience that may pique their interest in engineering and stimulate their creativity. This video details the steps in the design process as well as other engineering ideas that are observable in the world.

Learn More: Stem Smartly

2. Do the Marshmallow Challenge

engineering problem solving activities

Because it promotes cooperation, problem-solving, and creative thinking, the marshmallow challenge is an excellent engineering design process exercise. Their challenge is simply to build a skyscraper out of marshmallows and spaghetti. The tallest skyscraper wins.

Learn More: Pbs Learning Media

3. Enroll Kids in Engineering Camp

engineering problem solving activities

Enrolling children in an engineering camp is a great approach to introducing them to the subject. Students can be divided into engineering teams where they will learn about various engineering professions and the engineering design process and work on group projects while honing their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

4. Design and Build a Paper Airplane Launcher

engineering problem solving activities

This activity allows learners to investigate aerodynamics, mechanics, and physics fundamentals. Students may test their prototypes and experiment with different materials like PVC pipes, cardboard, rubber bands, and springs. Using various designs and launching strategies, they can determine which ones fly the furthest and quickest.

Learn More: Scientific American

5. Create a Homemade Lava Lamp Using Household Items

engineering problem solving activities

This engineering design activity teaches youngsters about liquid characteristics and density. Students can use a mixture of liquids like water, clear soda, or oils, alongside different colors and items to create beautiful lava lamps while learning about the science behind them.

Learn More: Engineering Emily

6. Build a Simple Machine Using Lego Bricks

engineering problem solving activities

Constructing a basic machine from Lego bricks is an excellent engineering design process exercise for encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Youngsters can use their imagination to design and build various machines such as pulleys, levers, or gear systems.

Learn More: Lego Engineering

7. Create a Marble Run Using Cardboard Tubes and Other Materials

engineering problem solving activities

Teachers can give their students this project as a class design challenge to promote creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation. Children can try out combinations of different slopes and obstacles to construct a unique marble run.

Learn More: Lets Talk Science

8. Popsicle stick Catapult

engineering problem solving activities

This activity encourages creativity. Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, tapes, glue, and an object to launch, students can try out different designs and create a working catapult while learning about mechanics and physics fundamentals.

Learn More: Steam Powered Family

9. Build a Mini Solar-Powered Car Using a Small Motor and Solar Panel

engineering problem solving activities

This activity will teach kids about sustainable energy, mechanics, and physics fundamentals. Students can creatively combine materials like rubber wheels, PVC board, tape, wires, a DC motor, and metal rods to create a mini solar-powered automobile.

Learn More: Hone Science Tools

10. Create a Homemade Musical Instrument Using Recycled Materials

engineering problem solving activities

This activity will teach children about sound waves and acoustics. With materials like foldable cardboard, metal strips, and strings, kids can make unique and practical musical instruments while learning about the science behind them.

Learn More: There’s Just One Mommy

11. Build a Wind-Powered Car 

engineering problem solving activities

This fun activity exposes kids to renewable energy. Students can use simple materials like bottle covers, a flat wooden board, a foldable piece of cardboard, and tiny wooden sticks to make a practical wind-powered automobile while learning about wind energy.

12. Create a Water Filtration System Using a Plastic Bottle and Sand

engineering problem solving activities

Making a water filter system from a plastic bottle and sand is a great exercise for teaching youngsters about water filtration and purification concepts. Students may use a clear plastic bottle, sand, gravel, activated charcoal, tape, and cotton wool to make the simple filter system while learning about the need for clean water.

Learn More: National Geographic

13. Design and Build a Maze Using Cardboard and Other Materials

engineering problem solving activities

This maze project encourages problem-solving and critical thinking. Children may first draw a unique maze design on paper and then use cardboard to set up obstacles and challenges to form a functioning maze according to their design. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

14. Build a Simple Electric Circuit Using a Battery and Wires

engineering problem solving activities

Children can learn about the fundamentals of electricity and electronics by creating a basic electric circuit using a battery and wires as part of an engaging engineering design process exercise. They can test different voltage and resistance levels while they’re at it.

15. Design and Build a Mini Greenhouse Using Recycled Materials

This exercise encourages sustainability, inventiveness, and problem-solving. Kids can use popsicle sticks to create a frame with the application of glue, and they can place a clear plastic cup on it as a cover after piercing ventilation holes through the cup. When this is completed, they can place a seedling in a mini pot inside and watch it grow.

Learn More: YouTube

16. Create a Balloon-Powered Car Using Straws and a Balloon

engineering problem solving activities

This is a fun and exciting exercise that teaches youngsters about mechanics and physics. After kids attach cardboard to some plastic wheels to form a wheelbase, a straw inserted partially into a balloon is tightly secured to the balloon with a rubber band and taped to the wheelbase. When kids blow air into the balloon the rush of air with cause a propelling of the wheelbase.

Learn More: Little Bins for Little Hands

17. Make a Snack Pulley System

engineering problem solving activities

The exercise of creating a snack pulley system educates children about the workings of pulleys and basic machines. To build a useful and creative snack pulley system, kids will combine twine, tape, plastic cups, and a cardboard box.

Learn More: Left Brain Craft Brain

18. Design and Build a Glider Using Balsa Wood and Tissue Paper

engineering problem solving activities

Kids can start their design process on paper; drawing up basic schematics of the glider they want to build. Based on their schematic drawings and the help of instructors, they can couple materials like balsa wood, styrofoam, cardboard, paper, and tape, to make unique gliders.

Learn More: New Horizon Academy

19. Create a Simple Motorized Boat Using a Small Motor and Propeller

engineering problem solving activities

In this activity, kids can use materials like a DC motor, waterproof sealants, a propeller, some wires, glue, scissors, styrofoam, and a soldering iron to create a motorized boat based on their designs. Tutors will need to be readily available to help handle complex tools.

Learn More: Science-Sparks

20. Build a Simple Hovercraft Using a Balloon and a CD

engineering problem solving activities

This activity teaches learners about air pressure and aerodynamics. With materials like a balloon, glue, and a compact disc, tutors can assist kids to design a simple Hovercraft while they learn about lift and push.

Learn More: Instructables

21. Design and Build a Simple Robot Hand Using Straws and a String

This design project encourages creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. kids can thread strings through straws and attach the straws to a cardboard base, after ensuring the strings are stapled inside the straw. Once completed, this simple robot hand will be able to close or open when the strings are pulled or released.

ENG_IRL - HORIZONTAL.png

  • Oct 13, 2019

10 Steps to Problem Solving for Engineers

Updated: Dec 6, 2020

With the official launch of the engineering book 10+1 Steps to Problem Solving: An Engineer's Guide it may be interesting to know that formalization of the concept began in episode 2 of the Engineering IRL Podcast back in July 2018.

As noted in the book remnants of the steps had existed throughout my career and in this episode I actually recorded the episode off the top of my head.

My goal was to help engineers build a practical approach to problem solving.

Have a listen.

Who can advise on the best approach to problem solving other than the professional problem solvers - Yes. I'm talking about being an Engineer.

There are 2 main trains of thought with Engineering work for non-engineers and that's trying to change the world with leading edge tech and innovations, or plain old boring math nerd type things.

Whilst, somewhat the case what this means is most content I read around Tech and Engineering are either super technical and (excruciatingly) detailed. OR really riff raff at the high level reveling at the possibilities of changing the world as we know it. And so what we end up with is a base (engineer only details) and the topping (media innovation coverage) but what about the meat? The contents?

There's a lot of beauty and interesting things there too. And what's the centrepiece? The common ground between all engineers? Problem solving.

The number one thing an Engineer does is problem solving. Now you may say, "hey, that's the same as my profession" - well this would be true for virtually every single profession on earth. This is not saying there isn't problem solving required in other professions. Some problems require very basic problem solving techniques such is used in every day life, but sometimes problems get more complicated, maybe they involve other parties, maybe its a specific quirk of the system in a specific scenario. One thing you learn in engineering is that not all problems are equal. These are

 The stages of problem solving like a pro:

Is the problem identified (no, really, are you actually asking the right question?)

Have you applied related troubleshooting step to above problem?

Have you applied basic troubleshooting steps (i.e. check if its plugged in, turned it on and off again, checked your basics)

Tried step 2 again? (Desperation seeps in, but check your bases)

Asked a colleague or someone else that may have dealt with your problem? (50/50 at this point)

Asked DR. Google (This is still ok)

Deployed RTFM protocol (Read the F***ing Manual - Engineers are notorious for not doing this)

Repeated tests, changing slight things, checking relation to time, or number of people, or location or environment (we are getting DEEP now)

Go to the bottom level, in networking this is packet sniffers to inspect packets, in systems this is taking systems apart and testing in isolation, in software this is checking if 1 equals 1, you are trying to prove basic human facts that everyone knows. If 1 is not equal to 1, you're in deep trouble.At this point you are at rebuild from scratch, re install, start again as your answer (extremely expensive, very rare)

And there you have it! Those are your levels of problem solving. As you go through each step, the more expensive the problem is. -- BUT WAIT. I picked something up along the way and this is where I typically thrive. Somewhere between problem solving step 8 and 10. 

engineering problem solving activities

The secret step

My recommendation at this point is to try tests that are seemingly unrelated to anything to do with the problem at all.Pull a random cable, test with a random system off/on, try it at a specific time of the day, try it specifically after restarting or replugging something in. Now, not completely random but within some sort of scope. These test are the ones that when someone is having a problem when you suggest they say "that shouldn't fix the problem, that shouldn't be related" and they are absolutely correct.But here's the thing -- at this stage they have already tried everything that SHOULD fix the problem. Now it's time for the hail mary's, the long shots, the clutching at straws. This method works wonders for many reasons. 1. You really are trying to try "anything" at this point.

2. Most of the time we may think we have problem solving step number 1 covered, but we really don't.

3. Triggering correlations.

This is important.

Triggering correlations

In a later post I will cover correlation vs causation, but for now understand that sometimes all you want to do is throw in new inputs to the system or problem you are solving in order to get clues or re identify problems or give new ways to approach earlier problem solving steps. There you have it. Problem solve like a ninja. Approach that extremely experienced and smart person what their problem and as they describe all the things they've tried, throw in a random thing they haven't tried. And when they say, well that shouldn't fix it, you ask them, well if you've exhausted everything that should  have worked, this is the time to try things that shouldn't. Either they will think of more tests they haven't considered so as to avoid doing your preposterous idea OR they try it and get a new clue to their problem. Heck, at worst they confirm that they do know SOMETHING about the system.

Go out and problem solve ! As always, thanks for reading and good luck with all of your side hustles.

If you prefer to listen to learn we got you covered with the Engineering IRL show!

For Youtube please go to:

https://youtu.be/EHaRNZhqmHA

For Spotify please go to:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZPfOvNwQkaCA1jLIOxp4

And don't forget to subscribe if you get any value from the Engineering IRL Content

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  • TeachEngineering
  • Class Lava Crossing Challenge: Hot Problem Solving

Hands-on Activity Class Lava Crossing Challenge: Hot Problem Solving

Grade Level: 5 (4-6)

Time Required: 45 minutes

Expendable Cost/Group: US $2.00

Group Size: 28

Activity Dependency: None

Subject Areas: Problem Solving, Science and Technology

NGSS Performance Expectations:

NGSS Three Dimensional Triangle

Activities Associated with this Lesson Units serve as guides to a particular content or subject area. Nested under units are lessons (in purple) and hands-on activities (in blue). Note that not all lessons and activities will exist under a unit, and instead may exist as "standalone" curriculum.

  • Problem Solve Your School

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Engineers help design and create healthier tomorrows

Engineers follow the steps of the engineering design process all the time, helping them to recognize a need, organize their ideas and determine the best solution to a problem. The design process can aid in re-engineering existing products, creating new products in response to customer needs, and developing never-before-imagined inventions that benefit communities and society. Teamwork is an important aspect of the design process as it helps to incorporate a range of perspectives that contribute to better end products and processes.

After this activity, students should be able to:

  • Explain the important steps of the engineering design process .
  • Relate how engineering incorporates this design process in many applications.
  • Apply the engineering design process to multiple design challenges.

Educational Standards Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards. All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org). In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .

Ngss: next generation science standards - science, international technology and engineering educators association - technology.

View aligned curriculum

Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!

Suggested materials for the entire class to share:

  • 4 baseball base plates or square pieces of cardboard (~12 x 12 inches, or .3 x .3 m)
  • string or rope, ~20 feet (6 m)
  • 2-4 small buckets
  • clipboard and paper to write down the problem statement and record brainstorming ideas
  • (optional)  Design & Brainstorming Handout

Note: Limiting the amount of materials limits the choices for solutions. So, the more materials made available to the students, the more interesting the activity.

A basic understanding of the steps of the engineering design process and brainstorming, as described in the associated lesson, Time for Design , and at TeachEngineering's design process web page .

A photograph shows a playground play set surrounded by gravel.

What do we know about the engineering design process? Remember that the design process can be used with any type of problem, and it can help us pick the best solution for that challenge. Who remembers some of the important steps? (Hand out the Design & Brainstorming Handout  (optional) or write the steps on the classroom board as you go through the next paragraph.)

Stating the problem helps us identify what we will be doing. Coming up with many ideas through brainstorming helps give us a variety of possible solutions. Picking one of the solutions is the next step, the one we think is best. Then we explain our choice, so that everyone can understand why it might work and give more input to polish the solution. Next, we test the design to make sure it works. We review and decide if the design was the best solution or if we should iterate , meaning start over at some point in the design process to improve it and make it better.

So, should we try the engineering design process ourselves and see if it works for us?

A photograph shows a wooden bridge in construction over a stream.

Today, our entire class will work together as a team and follow the steps of the engineering design process to solve the following challenge, which is what engineers do in their jobs.

The challenge: Imagine that the gravel (or ground) of the playground is hot lava. Everything you put in the lava will burn and sink, unless it is larger than one square foot (.3 meter). The entire class begins on the play set (or at one location on the playground). Somehow, we must figure out a way to get everyone safely to the sidewalk (or the other side, or somewhere about 20 feet away), untouched by the dangerous hot lava.

Wow, this activity will involve a lot of teamwork! Who can explain why teamwork is important for engineers? (Listen to student explanations.) We need everyone's ideas. So, teamwork is important because having many ideas helps engineers come up with great designs. Engineers use teamwork to build off each others' ideas and trigger even better ideas.

Do you think we can do it? Let's use the engineering design process to help us come up with a solution!

Before the Activity

  • This is an open-ended activity for the entire class.
  • Decide where to conduct the activity. If your school does not have a playground or if the weather is bad, conduct this activity in the gym or classroom. Establish a starting point and an ending point and say that the floor/ground between is lava. Define the starting and ending points by desks, chairs, mats or gym floor lines. Make the start at least 20 feet (6 m) from the end.
  • Gather materials and make copies of the handout if desired.

With the Students

  • Perform the pre-activity assessment activities as described in the Assessment section.
  • Problem : As a class, come up with a problem statement and write it on the board. Suggestions : Make it a short, carefully thought-out sentence explaining the problem in a way that is open to multiple solutions. For example, instead of: "Find a way to step across the lava without touching it," a more general statement might be: "Get the class to the sidewalk (other side) without touching the lava."

A photograph shows a flow of hot orange lava.

  • Write on the board a list of the available materials. Remind students that in the real world, engineers creatively work within given limitations, which might be materials, budget, safety considerations and/or time.
  • Brainstorming: As a class, brainstorm different ways to solve the lava challenge, keeping the available materials in mind. Remind students that in brainstorming, no idea or suggestion is "silly." All ideas should be respectfully heard and recorded. Take an uncritical position, encourage wild ideas and discourage criticism of ideas. Have students raise their hands to respond. Write their ideas on the board. Suggestions and prompts:
  • The most obvious way to solve this problem might be to set something (working with the available materials) down on the gravel and step on it. But what if you don't have enough materials to cross the entire lava field? What if those materials sink in the lava? Think a little harder. What might be some less obvious ways?
  • Brainstorm to come up with wild and creative ideas that might prompt some doable ideas you didn't think of right away. Examples: Use a rope that kids could swing on or make a pair of special protective shoes that everyone could take turns using.
  • Also consider the route. Brainstorm the best path from the playground to the sidewalk. Have everyone sketch a diagram of the playground and a proposed path, including where and how materials are used, and then share them with the class. Float the idea that the best path may not be the shortest path. For example, if your solution is to swing by a rope, you would need to swing from a relatively high place on the playground.
  • Come up with lots of possible solutions. Consider combining various solutions in different ways.
  • Pick one solution: Take a class vote to agree on the best method and the best path to try out.
  • Explain: Write the chosen method and/or draw the path on the board. Explain the plan again to make sure everyone understands the proposed solution.
  • Test: Take the class and materials to the playground (or gym) to try out the solution the class designed.
  • Review: Does it work?
  • If not, do some on-the-spot brainstorming as a class and figure out why it's not working, or try another one of the class ideas.
  • If it does work, ask the class if they can think of ways to make the solution work even better!
  • Remind students that engineers are constantly improving their designs.
  • If the solution worked really well, challenge the students to find a way to re-design their method to make the process faster.
  • Conclude by conducting the post-activity assessment described in the Assessment section.

brainstorming: Thinking of ideas as a group.

engineer: A person who applies her/his understanding of science and mathematics to creating things for the benefit of society and our world.

engineering: Creating new things for the benefit of society and our world.

engineering design process: A structured way to help engineers come up with the best design to solve a specific problem.

iteration: Doing something again, like starting over at certain steps of the design process.

Pre-Activity Assessment

Shout It Out: Ask the class to tell you the key steps of the engineering design process, in typical order. Have them say the steps out loud as you write them on the board. (Answer: State the problem clearly, brainstorm possible solutions, select the best design solution, explain your design, create and test your design, and review/decide on any design improvements, iterate if necessary or desired.)

Activity Embedded Assessment

Drawing: Have students draw a diagram of the playground and the path they plan to take. Have them label any important materials on the design plan. Tell them that these are similar to engineering drawings that help engineers explain their design to others.

Post-Activity Assessment

Discussion Questions: Solicit, integrate and summarize student responses. Ask the students:

  • What are some examples of how we used teamwork to help us get a solution? Do you think engineers use teamwork when they are developing a solution?
  • Getting from the play set to the sidewalk without touching the ground is not a real-life problem. What are some real-life challenges that are similar to the one we solved? (Examples: Building a bridge over a river or a highway overpass, walking on the moon, exploring the earth at the bottom of the ocean.)
  • Engineers are always designing products to help people do something that they could not do before. For example, biomedical engineers design cool new medical equipment that helps people walk better after they have been injured. Engineers design toothbrushes that clean our teeth better. Engineers even design cool roller coaster rides to swing people upside down and go really fast. Can you think of any challenges for which you would like to see an engineer design?
  • What steps do engineers take to solve these real-life challenges? (Answer: The steps of the engineering design process.)

Re-Engineering: Ask students how they could improve the final design. Have them sketch and/or test their ideas.

Safety Issues

Be aware of safety on the play set, especially if many students are crowded into a small space.

If the initial class design solution does not work, and the class cannot come up with a new plan that works, try the following example solution: Say the materials include four cardboard squares and some string. Two students use the string to tie a piece of cardboard to each foot. With these special "boots," they can walk safely on the lava to the sidewalk. At the sidewalk, one student takes off the boots, and gives them to the other student to transport back to the play set for another student to use. With one student transporting the materials back and forth, all students can safely reach the sidewalk.

Add another dimension to the lava crossing challenge by adding a time constraint—the best design is the one that moves everyone in the shortest amount of time. Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes students/teams to get across the lava.

Have students find a way to get across the lava by using materials they might use in lessons later in the school year. For example, make available several simple machines to help them get across the lava, such as pulleys and inclined planes.

Split the class into groups. Have each student team work within a particular constraint to solve the problem of crossing the lava (time, materials, distance, etc.). Then have the teams work together to develop a final class strategy for crossing the hot lava. Remind students that engineers often work in small teams to solve specific problem constraints, and then they bring all of the solutions together to devise a final solution or project.

Have students apply the design process approach to solve some everyday student-relevant problems such as crowded lunch lines, reaching something high on a shelf, getting ready for school in the morning, or keeping your hand from hurting when writing too much.

Have students participate in other teamwork-based activities and discuss how teamwork is important in finding creative design solutions for engineering problems.

  • For lower grades, include more materials to give students more options for solutions. More materials also help students come up with many ideas in the brainstorming step. You don't have to know how materials might be used in order to include them as available materials; see what students devise!
  • For upper grades, divide the class into two or three teams. Have each team go through the design process independently, writing down on paper everything that was written on the board in the Procedure section. Then, have each team test its design plans. You may want to make the activity into a contest to see which teams were successful, and which solution was the fastest or most efficient.

engineering problem solving activities

Students are introduced to the engineering design process, focusing on the concept of brainstorming design alternatives. They learn that engineering is about designing creative ways to improve existing artifacts, technologies or processes, or developing new inventions that benefit society.

preview of 'Time for Design' Lesson

Students apply the mechanical advantages and problem-solving capabilities of six types of simple machines (wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley) as they discuss modern structures in the spirit of the engineers and builders of the great pyramids.

preview of 'Simple Machines and Modern Day Engineering Analogies' Lesson

Abarca, J., Bedard, A.J., Carlson, D.W., Carlson, L.E., Hertzberg, J., Louie, B., Milford, J., Reitsma, R.F., Schwartz, T.L. and Sullivan, J.F. (2000) "Introductory Engineering Design: A Projects-Based Approach," Third Edition, Textbook for GEEN 1400: First-Year Engineering Projects and GEEN 3400: Innovation and Invention, Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado at Boulder. http://itll.colorado.edu/index.php/courses_workshops/geen_1400/resources/textbook/

Contributors

Supporting program, acknowledgements.

The contents of these digital library curricula were developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Last modified: February 28, 2020

engineering problem solving activities

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Last updated by Linda Kamp on December 9, 2022 • 2 Comments

9 Activities to Teach Engineering Design

Kids are natural engineers. They are makers, designers, and problem solvers at heart. Who else has these qualities and creates things to solve problems? Engineers! In this post I’ll share some foundational activities to do with your 2nd grade and 3rd grade students to teach engineering design and the engineering design process.

These activities will give your students opportunities to draw diagrams, make models, and evaluate the designs of everyday objects so they can use these skills to think like engineers.  

Learn About Engineers

What is an engineer? An engineer is a person who designs and builds products, machines, systems, or structures to solve a specific problem. Engineers have scientific training. They study how and why things work. Engineers use a specific, step by step method to approach problem solving called the engineering design process.

engineering design for kids PowerPoint lesson

  Engineering Design PowerPoint  

This fun NASA video for kids explains what engineers do.

NASA for Kids Video- Intro to engineering

NASA for Kids: Intro to Engineering

Draw & Label A Diagram

Engineers and architects use detailed drawings to explain their ideas and what they intend to build.  Engineers also make detailed design plans for how something will be built. These plans provide precise measurements of all parts of the design so builders and factories know how to assemble a product or structure.

This simple, no prep activity requires a sheet of construction paper and a pencil or white crayon.  Have students choose a classroom object to carefully observe and diagram. Ask them to think about the function of the object, the materials it is made of, and the problem it solves. Students then draw and label the object complete with measurements of its parts. 

student drawn diagram engineering activity

  Engineering lab 

Evaluate a Design

Some engineers create technology to meet needs and solve problems. But not all technology is electronic. Objects as simple as an alarm clock and a toothbrush involve kinds of technology. 

engineering design for kids PowerPoint lesson

Engineering Design PowerPoint  

Before students begin designing their own projects have them evaluate the designs of everyday objects.  Ask students to choose an object and ask themselves:

  • What is the purpose of this object? What does it do?
  • How does the shape of the object help it work?
  • What materials are used?
  • Are they natural or man-made materials?
  • How are specific parts of the object designed to make it easy to use?
  • What problem does this object solve for people?

To answer these questions, my students evaluated the design of a pair of school scissors.

engineering design teaching activityactivity

Engineering lab 

Explore Biomimicry

Scientists and engineers often look to nature to solve problems. Many common inventions were inspired by nature and use biomimicry in their designs. Biomimicry is when people solve problems using ideas from nature.

engineering design teaching lesson on tablet

These videos offer great examples of biomimicry for kids:

Biomimicry video for kids

Biomimicry 101: How We Copied Nature (6:42)

Useful Technologies Inspired by Nature biomimicry video for kids

8 Useful Technologies Inspired by Nature (8:47)

Make a Biomimicry Model

After watching the videos, have students choose an invention they saw in the video or think of additional man-made inventions inspired by nature. Make Playdoh models with features showing how nature is mimicked in the design. This model depicts a swimming fin based on the webbed feet of a duck.

biomimicry science center

Biomimicry lab resource  

The Engineering Design Process

The engineering design process is a series of steps that guide engineers when solving problems. These steps are often repeated as many times as are needed to make improvements and learn from failures.

“The engineering design process emphasizes open-ended problem solving and encourages students to learn from failure.” – Teach Engineering

In the primary grades, the engineering design process is sometimes taught with different labels and number of steps, perhaps depending on grade level. In second grade, we introduce the steps of the process as:

steps to the engineering design process for kids

Ask: Identify the Problem

Engineers ask questions to identify the problem they want to solve. They think about what they want to design, who will benefit and how. In addition, engineers consider the requirements and limitations. They consider materials available and determine what they want to accomplish.

engineering design process teaching poster

Imagine: Brainstorm Ideas

This step includes researching possible solutions. Engineers talk to specialists from different backgrounds to identify what solutions, products, and technologies already exist. Engineering teams brainstorm new ideas and creative ways to adapt existing technology, systems, or products.

engineering design process teaching poster

Plan: Choose a Solution

In this step engineers compare their best ideas and select a solution. They devise a plan and begin making decisions on designs. They choose materials and plan the steps they will take to accomplish their goal.

engineering design process teaching poster for Plan

Create: Build a Model

Engineers follow their design plan to create models or prototypes. These are early versions of the design to test to see if they meet the objective and work as intended. Imagination and creativity are key ingredients in creating the best designs possible.

engineering design process teaching poster - Create

Improve: Make your Design Better

As engineers test their prototypes they ask themselves, “ Does it work?” “ Does it solve the problem?” and “How can it be improved?”.  At this time, engineers evaluate their designs and analyze results. As a result, they may make revisions, draw new designs, and test them again.  Learning from failure is key.

engineering design process lesson -Improve

Present: Share Your Design With Others

Engineers communicate their results and share their findings with others. They get feedback on their designs and discuss what works and what doesn’t. Engineers often revise their design again based on feedback they receive.

engineering design process teaching poster

Plan a Design Project

Our engineering unit culminates in a final project. Students design a solution that will help red crabs safely cross busy inland roads as they migrate to the ocean to lay their eggs. 

Engineering design activities for kids PowerPoint lesson on tablet

Engineering Lab resource   

Choose a natural event or real-world issue for students to dive deeper into and solve. I’ve found that projects related to animals excite my students the most!

Explore Types of Materials

Students may have learned about materials and their properties in a previous properties of matter unit.  I like to review types of materials with students because choosing the right materials is important part of the design process.

natural materials teaching powerpoint

 In this activity students make a list of classroom objects. Afterwards they classify and graph them as natural, man-made or a combination of both.

natural or man made materials activity for kids

  Engineering lab  

Material scientists and engineers can make materials with whatever properties they want. As a result, they often make materials with properties that solve a specific problem.  This video gives a great example of that and explains how materials can be altered and improved for a specific purpose.

engineering for kids video thumbnail

Material World: Crash Course Kids (4:35)

Engineering Design Resources

If all of this sounds like a lot of planning, I have an easier solution. I’ve created everything you need to teach engineering design in a complete science unit  for 2nd and 3rd grade students. All of the activities featured in this post are included in the printable unit.

Engineering Design Unit for 2nd & 3rd Grade

Students create diagrams, blueprints, and a prototype. The explore biomimicry, build models, evaluate designs and gather data. Students learn the steps of the engineering design process and apply them in a culminating design project.

The printable unit is completely pre-planned and includes:

  • Detailed, scripted lesson plans
  • Teacher binder with 20-day pacing guide
  • 6-lesson teaching PowerPoint
  • Hands-on engineering labs
  • Focus wall posters with learning targets and guiding questions
  • Student journal activities
  • Extension center activities
  • Assessments
  • Video links for each lesson
  • Bonus bulletin board set

The digital version is a companion to the print unit and includes narrated audio lessons and each student activity and assessment on Google Slides.

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Engineering Design 2nd Grade science unit

Engineering Design Unit

Digital Engineering Design Unit

Engineering Design Print & Digital Mini Bundle

See the entire second grade science series here.

Activities to Teach the Engineering Design Process for Kids blog post article for teachers

Build a science foundation in your classroom! Visit these posts for more hands-on science ideas:

Properties of Matter

Properties of matter activities and experiments for 2nd grade. Learn creative teaching ideas and fun, hands-on science activities for kids learning about solids, liquids, and gas in second grade.

Earth Changes & Landforms

hands on ideas for teaching landforms earth changes activities

Happy teaching!

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Second grade students doing seed dispersla and plant adaptations science experiments

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Hello Friends

I’m Linda Kamp, a 20 year primary grade teacher with a passion for creating educational materials that excite students and make learning fun! I'm so glad you're here!

Linda Kamp

  • What is Chemical and Biological Engineering?
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  • How ‘good’ a solution do you need
  • Steps in solving well-defined engineering process problems, including textbook problems
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Engineering Problem Solving ¶

Some problems are so complex that you have to be highly intelligent and well-informed just to be undecided about them. —Laurence J. Peter

Steps in solving ‘real world’ engineering problems ¶

The following are the steps as enumerated in your textbook:

Collaboratively define the problem

List possible solutions

Evaluate and rank the possible solutions

Develop a detailed plan for the most attractive solution(s)

Re-evaluate the plan to check desirability

Implement the plan

Check the results

A critical part of the analysis process is the ‘last’ step: checking and verifying the results.

Depending on the circumstances, errors in an analysis, procedure, or implementation can have significant, adverse consequences (NASA Mars orbiter crash, Bhopal chemical leak tragedy, Hubble telescope vision issue, Y2K fiasco, BP oil rig blowout, …).

In a practical sense, these checks must be part of a comprehensive risk management strategy.

My experience with problem solving in industry was pretty close to this, though encumbered by numerous business practices (e.g., ‘go/no-go’ tollgates, complex approval processes and procedures).

In addition, solving problems in the ‘real world’ requires a multidisciplinary effort, involving people with various expertise: engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, legal, marketing, product service and warranty, …

Exercise: Problem solving

Step 3 above refers to ranking of alternatives.

Think of an existing product of interest.

What do you think was ranked highest when the product was developed?

Consider what would have happened if a different ranking was used. What would have changed about the product?

Brainstorm ideas with the students around you.

Defining problems collaboratively ¶

Especially in light of global engineering , we need to consider different perspectives as we define our problem. Let’s break the procedure down into steps:

Identify each perspective that is involved in the decision you face. Remember that problems often mean different things in different perspectives. Relevant differences might include national expectations, organizational positions, disciplines, career trajectories, etc. Consider using the mnemonic device “Location, Knowledge, and Desire.”

Location : Who is defining the problem? Where are they located or how are they positioned? How do they get in their positions? Do you know anything about the history of their positions, and what led to the particular configuration of positions you have today on the job? Where are the key boundaries among different types of groups, and where are the alliances?

Knowledge : What forms of knowledge do the representatives of each perspective have? How do they understand the problem at hand? What are their assumptions? From what sources did they gain their knowledge? How did their knowledge evolve?

Desire : What do the proponents of each perspective want? What are their objectives? How do these desires develop? Where are they trying to go? Learn what you can about the history of the issue at hand. Who might have gained or lost ground in previous encounters? How does each perspective view itself at present in relation to those it envisions as relevant to its future?

As formal problem definitions emerge, ask “Whose definition is this?” Remember that “defining the problem clearly” may very well assert one perspective at the expense of others. Once we think about problem solving in relation to people, we can begin to see that the very act of drawing a boundary around a problem has non-technical, or political dimensions, depending on who controls the definition, because someone gains a little power and someone loses a little power.

Map what alternative problem definitions mean to different participants. More than likely you will best understand problem definitions that fit your perspective. But ask “Does it fit other perspectives as well?” Look at those who hold Perspective A. Does your definition fit their location, their knowledge, and their desires? Now turn to those who hold Perspective B. Does your definition fit their location, knowledge, and desires? Completing this step is difficult because it requires stepping outside of one’s own perspective and attempting to understand the problem in terms of different perspectives.

To the extent you encounter disagreement or conclude that the achievement of it is insufficient, begin asking yourself the following: How might I adapt my problem definition to take account of other perspectives out there? Is there some way of accommodating myself to other perspectives rather than just demanding that the others simply recognize the inherent value and rationality of mine? Is there room for compromise among contrasting perspectives?

How ‘good’ a solution do you need ¶

There is also an important aspect of real-world problem solving that is rarely articulated and that is the idea that the ‘quality’ of the analysis and the resources expended should be dependent on the context.

This is difficult to assess without some experience in the particular environment.

How ‘Good’ a Solution Do You Need?

Some rough examples:

10 second answer (answering a question at a meeting in front of your manager or vice president)

10 minute answer (answering a quick question from a colleague)

10 hour answer (answering a request from an important customer)

10 day answer (assembling information as part of a trouble-shooting team)

10 month answer (putting together a comprehensive portfolio of information as part of the design for a new $200,000,000 chemical plant)

Steps in solving well-defined engineering process problems, including textbook problems ¶

Essential steps:

Carefully read the problem statement (perhaps repeatedly) until you understand exactly the scenario and what is being asked.

Translate elements of the word problem to symbols. Also, look for key words that may convey additional information, e.g., ‘steady state’, ‘constant density’, ‘isothermal’. Make note of this additional information on your work page.

Draw a diagram. This can generally be a simple block diagram showing all the input, output, and connecting streams.

Write all known quantities (flow rates, densities, etc.) from step 2 in the appropriate locations on, or near, the diagram. If symbols are used to designate known quantities, include those symbols.

Identify and assign symbols to all unknown quantities and write them in the appropriate locations on, or near, the diagram.

Construct the relevant equation(s). These could be material balances, energy balances, rate equations, etc.

Write down all equations in their general forms. Don’t simplify anything yet.

Discard terms that are equal to zero (or are assumed negligible) for your specific problem and write the simplified equations.

Replace remaining terms with more convenient forms (because of the given information or selected symbols).

Construct equations to express other known relationships between variables, e.g., relationships between stoichiometric coefficients, the sum of species mass fractions must be one.

Whenever possible, solve the equations for the unknown(s) algebraically .

Convert the units of your variables as needed to have a consistent set across your equations.

Substitute these values into the equation(s) from step 7 to get numerical results.

Check your answer.

Does it make sense?

Are the units of the answer correct?

Is the answer consistent with other information you have?

Exercise: Checking results

How do you know your answer is right and that your analysis is correct?

This may be relatively easy for a homework problem, but what about your analysis for an ill-defined ‘real-world’ problem?

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engineering problem solving activities

STEAMsational

The Ultimate List of Fun Engineering Activities for Kids

What is engineering? Why are engineering activities for kids important?

Engineering uses science and math to solve real-world problems. Engineering is used for everything from building roads to completing data analysis tools at an insurance company. There is almost no career today that does not use engineering in some capacity.

Although many children are born with natural engineering tendencies and curiosities, we lose a lot of these skills as we age. Providing thoughtful engineering activities for kids as a part of STEM activities will provide a solid knowledge of engineering that any child can take into adulthood.

But engineering projects are not all boring! In fact, engineering activities are some of the most fun and hands-on STEM activities for kids that children can do.

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun! #engineering #engineeringactivities #stemed #stemactivities

Try these super-fun engineering activities for kids with your classroom or at home!

Fun Engineering Activities

Use these engineering activity ideas to go along with your STEM activities for kids!

What are Engineering Projects for Kids?

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun! #engineering #engineeringactivities #stemed #stemactivities

Most children start from a place of engineering when they are young. Toddlers and preschoolers continually build, test, experiment, and play with materials to learn more about the world around them.

But for some reason, we often lose that sense of curiosity as we age. Adding more hands on engineering projects for kids and engineering activities for kids in the classroom setting helps foster that sense of wonder longer, while helping children see how all the subjects of school work together. In a simple engineering activity, kids may engage in activities such as:

  • Building and design
  • Construction
  • Selecting the right materials
  • Circuits and electrical engineering
  • Cause and effect
  • Living math
  • Prototype building and testing

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Why Do Kids Engineering Activities?

elementary stem challenge cards

Engineering activities are a lot of fun to try with kids. Engineering is a fun hands-on way to see some areas of science, like physics, the properties of matter, and structural integrity of materials up close and personal.

Kids who love hands on activities will find engineering lessons so much more engaging than simple worksheets. Engineering activities often incorporate all elements of STEM learning, including science, technology, engineering, and math, making them some of the most comprehensive STEM activities that children can do.

You can try these engineering activities in the classroom or at home with your kids!

WHAT CAN KIDS LEARN BY DOING ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES?

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun! #engineering #engineeringactivities #stemed #stemactivities

Kids can learn a lot by doing engineering activities! Some of the most important lessons and skills that kids learn by doing engineering activities include:

  • Building science and math skills
  • Learning to work as a team
  • Gathering problem-solving skills
  • Learning how to use the right materials to find the right solution for any problem

Supplies for Engineering Challenges for Kids

Use these supplies to make your engineering activities easier! This post contains affiliate links.

SmartLab Toys Smart Circuits Games & Gadgets Electronics Lab

BOOKS ON ENGINEERING FOR KIDS

Basic Machines and How They Work

THE ULTIMATE LIST OF ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

fun engineering activities

Try these fun engineering activities for kids and have an engineering activity for every occasion imaginable!

These engineering activities for kids are perfect for any time of year!

Engineering Activities for Toddlers

engineering activities for toddlers

Toddlers will have fun completing these toddler engineering activities.

Testing the Strength of Aluminum Foil

Playdough Towers

Apple Stacking

Engineering Activities for Preschoolers

Try these simple engineering activities for preschoolers and start to discover engineering in the preschool classroom!

How to Build a Q-Tip Tower

How Strong is Spaghetti?

Mel ty Bead Rainbow

Build a Monster

Engineering Activities for Elementary Students

engineering activities

Elementary kids will have a blast trying out these unique and creative engineering activities for elementary!

Will an Egg Crate Airplane Fly?

Airplane Engineering Challenge

How to Use Squishy Circuits

Squishy Circuit Mermaid

Paper Air Plane Engineering

Engineering Activities for Middle School

engineering activities for elementary

Middle schoolers will love these engineering activities for middle school students.

Egg Drop Experiment

Draw with a 3D Pen

3D Carbon Atom Model

Squishy Circuit Unicorn

DIY Zipline

ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR SPRING

Try these fun engineering activities for kids during the spring!

Peeps are super fun to get at Easter. But if you have some leftover, try these Peeps marshmallow engineering activities! The marshmallow activities and marshmallow STEM challenge will delight your kids. Peeps STEM activities are the best! #easteractivities #peeps #stemactivities #engineering

Peeps Engineering Challenges

Love PEEPS®? Then you're going to love this fun PEEPS® boat engineering challenge! It's a fun way to learn about STEM activities during the spring.

Build a Peeps Boat

Love science? Love PEEPs? Then you will love this PEEPs science experiment where the challenge is to power a PEEP entirely with soap. Fun for all ages!

Make a Soap-Powered Peeps Boat

Learn the basics of engineering with the egg drop engineering project! Part of the 31 days fo STEM activities for kids series.

Egg Drop Engineering Challenge

Looking for PEEPs activities for kids? These three PEEPs STEAM activities are perfect for kids of all ages and are the perfect way to use uneaten PEEPs.

Build a Peeps Rainbow

St. Patrick's Day doesn't have to be just about crafts! Bring some STEM to the holiday with these hands on St. Patrick's Day STEM activities for kids!

Perler Bead Rainbow

Inspired by LEGO Creations by Sara Dees, this LEGO rainbow can be made using bricks you already own! It's harder than you think!

LEGO Rainbow

Want to make your Easter projects more fun? These exploding rainbow Easter eggs are a blast to make, and produce explosive fun!

Exploding Easter Eggs Engineering Experiment

ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER

Try these summer engineering activities when it’s hot out!

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Confetti Fireworks

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Engineer a Skatepark

ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR FALL

Kids will love doing these fun fall engineering activities.

Bring engineering skills to life with this fun engineering activity where kids build a 3D monster craft for Halloween. Engineering has never been so fun!

Design a Monster Craft Engineering Activity

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Mini Pumpkin Engineering Activities

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Apple Engineering Activities

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Thanksgiving Engineering

ENGINEERING ACTIVITIES FOR WINTER

Simple Engineering Projects: Construct a New Hat for Santa

Christmas STEM Challenge: Design a New Sleigh for Santa

STEM Experiments: Build a Christmas Tree from Playdough

Christmas Engineering: Bubbling Snow Globe

Christmas Ideas for Preschoolers: Hide the Deer

cool-stem-experiments-f

Cool STEM Experiments: Design a Snow Globe

christmas-activities-for-children-f

Christmas Activities for Children: Design Your Own Wrapping Paper

If your kids are budding engineers, they will love these engineering project ideas to light up a Christmas tree! Technology and engineering in one!

Engineering Project Ideas: Light Up a Christmas Tree

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Conversation Heart Structures

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Build a LEGO Heart

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Design a Love Bug Engineering Activity

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Squishy Circuit Heart

Build STEM skills in a fun way! The leprechaun trap STEM activity is a fun STEM activity for St. Patrick's Day that kids of all ages will love. Try the leprechaun trap challenge in your classroom or at home! #stemactivities #stpatricksday #kidsactivities #stem

Leprechaun Trap STEM Activity

Engineering activities for kids teach a lot of useful skills, like circuits, properties of matter, physics, design, spatial awareness, and more! Kids will have a blast with these engineering activity ideas and engineering for kids has never been so fun!

Squishy Circuit Shamrock

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Problems Worth Solving Competition

Text: Problems Worth Solving

Steve Jobs famously said, “You've got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology, not the other way around.”

Understanding your customers’ experiences requires that you become experts in the progress they are trying to make in their businesses and personal lives and the problems they encounter. The Problems Worth Solving Competition asks participants to explore this critical part of the entrepreneur’s journey - identifying and exploring problems that could be the basis for a great business.

This competition does not require a solution to the problem, only an important problem that could be the seed of a startup or investment made by an established enterprise.

Contest entries will use an online form that asks for short answers and to upload a short 60-second video. One application per person will be limited, and only the first 75 entries will be accepted.

Five finalists will be invited to present their problems live in front of judges at the main event. The presentations will consist of five minutes of a student pitching their problem and five minutes of Q&A. No slides will be used during the presentation, but you may bring one visual aid if appropriate.

There will also be three honorable mention prizes awarded. Honorable Mention winners will receive a cash award and an invitation to a private reception with judges and finalists at the Main Event.

March 8, 2024 - Applications will open.

March 15, 2024 - Applications will close at 11:59 p.m. (no late applications accepted).

March 22, 2024 - Five finalists and honorable mentions will be notified by 5 p.m.

March 27, 2024 - Finalists workshop (date/time to be coordinated with finalists).

April 6, 2024 - Final event from 9 a.m. to noon.

Each finalist will receive a cash prize. Judges will determine the prize winners as follows:

  • $2,500 - First Place
  • $2,000 - Second Place
  • $1,500 - Third Place
  • $1,000 - Fourth Place
  • $500 - Fifth Place
  • $250 - Honorable Mention (3 awarded)

In addition to a $2,500 award, the first-place finisher will also be awarded the honor of being the guest sponsor of a 2024-2025  Aggies Invent . One Aggies Invent for next school year will feature the winner’s problem as the theme for the event, and the winner will present their problem, provide coaching during the event and serve as one of the event judges.

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate the entries based on the following:

  • Is the problem clear and concise?
  • Is it clear what people and/or organizations have the problem?
  • Is a compelling case made that the people/organizations with the problem perceive it to be worth spending money to solve?
  • Is the target market large enough to support a high-growth business?
  • Is it clear that the existing solutions to solve the problem are inadequate or absent?

We will have judges representing Texas A&M faculty from across campus as well as entrepreneurs, innovators and experts from industry.

Eligibility

All current Texas A&M College Station students are eligible.

You must be able to be physically present for the finalist workshop and final event. Do not apply if you cannot be on campus for these events.

Finalists from previous Problems Worth Solving competitions are not eligible.

Application Tips

The best problems will combine the popularity (how many people or organizations have the problem), severity (how much pain, cost or opportunity is created) and importance (with what significance do people perceive the problem).

The written portion of the application should be used to illustrate the details and specifics surrounding your selected problem. A general problem statement won’t differentiate your application. "Everyone" is not specific enough to describe who has the problem you are presenting.

Use credible external sources to support any examples and estimates. Be sure to cite those sources.

The videos may be recorded using your laptop, smartphone or a more sophisticated camera. Pay attention to the lighting, background noises, recording volume and other distractions. Please make sure you are visible for the majority of the video as we would like to see you present the problem. You may use multimedia, advanced editing software and other embellishments, but they are not required. The judges will use the video to determine how well you know the problem and your ability to communicate it.

Check Last Year's Competition Article

Additional Resources

How to Evaluate Startup Ideas , a video from Kevin Hale from Y Combinator incubator that explains attributes of good problems for a startup to solve

The Problem Statement Canvas for Startups and Innovation Teams , an article by Marius Ursache about what makes a good problem statement and how to make yours better

99 Startup Problems , a summary of problem statements from some of the most successful tech companies

Intellectual Property

All intellectual property is owned by the competitors unless otherwise assigned. In developing their application, pitch and presentation materials, competitors should again keep in mind that it is their full responsibility to protect all proprietary and confidential information.

Competitors concerned about the protection of intellectual property may research intellectual property protection at the Texas A&M University Libraries Patent & Trademark Resource Center or the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

IMAGES

  1. 5 Engineering Challenges with Clothespins, Binder Clips, and Craft

    engineering problem solving activities

  2. Activity 6.2b

    engineering problem solving activities

  3. Fun 20-Minute Engineering Activities for Kids

    engineering problem solving activities

  4. 5 problem solving steps in engineering

    engineering problem solving activities

  5. Story Engineering: Problem-Solving Short Stories Using STEM (Gr. 5–6

    engineering problem solving activities

  6. Quiz & Worksheet

    engineering problem solving activities

VIDEO

  1. Practical Problem Solving

  2. Problem solving

  3. Engineering Mindset to Solve Problem #engineering

  4. Chapter 01 part 01

  5. Problem solving methodology

  6. How I Solve Problems (8 Step Engineering Process)

COMMENTS

  1. Problem Solving

    1 hours 15 minutes (two 40-minute class periods) Subject Areas: Print this lesson Everyday, teams problem solve to figure out the best solutions to various challenges. copyright Summary Students are introduced to a systematic procedure for solving problems through a demonstration and then the application of the method to an everyday activity.

  2. STEM Projects That Tackle Real-World Problems

    "Problem-solving involves finding answers to questions and solutions for undesired effects. STEM lessons revolve around the engineering design process (EDP) — an organized, open-ended approach to investigation that promotes creativity, invention, and prototype design, along with testing and analysis," says Ann Jolly in her book STEM by Design.

  3. Sticky Engineering Challenge

    Learn how engineering teams address problem solving. Learn about teamwork and working in groups. Age Levels: 8-18 Print or Download Lesson Plan PDF Lesson Plan Presentation Materials & Preparation Testing Materials & Process Engineering Design Challenge Activity Instructions & Procedures Engineering Design Process Background Concepts Vocabulary

  4. 11+ Engineering Challenges for High School

    The 11+ engineering design projects below offer high school students a blend of complexity, real-world science, and problem solving. As they create solutions, they will use the engineering design process to innovate, build, troubleshoot, and iterate.

  5. 20 Great Examples of Brainteasers for Engineers

    This one is from Amazon, and was used to interview for the position of Manager. Though it also stands as an example of a brainteaser for engineers. Answer: 1. Workings: Again another example of ...

  6. 16+ Engineering Challenges for Middle School

    Blog Posts 16+ Engineering Challenges for Middle School By Amy Cowen on October 13, 2021 1:00 PM Inspire students to think like engineers with hands-on building and design challenges! Spark interest and build engineering design skills with one of these free engineering projects for middle school students.

  7. Easy Engineering Lesson Plans & Activities for Ages 4-18

    Teach Engineering Through Simple & Engaging Activities. Explore IEEE Try Engineering's database of lesson plans to teach engineering concepts to your students, aged 4 to 18. Explore areas such as lasers, LED lights, flight, smart buildings, and more through our activities. All lesson plans are provided by teachers like you and are peer reviewed.

  8. Solving Everyday Problems Using the Engineering Design Cycle

    2 hours (two 60-minutes class periods) Summary Students are introduced to two real-life problems that can be solved by using the engineering design process. For the first one, they follow along with a slide presentation that describes how a group of students built an organizer to help organize their teacher's desk.

  9. Explore Engineering Through Games

    The best way to explore the world of engineering is to experience it! Try your hand at one of these engaging engineering games and learn while having fun! Games for grades K-12 cover topics ranging from inventing and coding to environmental and electrical engineering. FEATURED GAME.

  10. 12 Engineering Design Challenges Perfect for Remote Learning

    Engineering design challenges encourage students to brainstorm, design, build, test, problem solve, troubleshoot, tinker, innovate, and iterate. Try one of these free challenges to get kids started on an engineering design project. Engineering Challenges are Great for Home or the Classroom!

  11. 21 Engineering Design Process Activities To Engage Critical Thinkers

    Constructing a basic machine from Lego bricks is an excellent engineering design process exercise for encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Youngsters can use their imagination to design and build various machines such as pulleys, levers, or gear systems. Learn More: Lego Engineering 7.

  12. 10 Steps to Problem Solving for Engineers

    With the official launch of the engineering book 10+1 Steps to Problem Solving: An Engineer's Guide it may be interesting to know that formalization of the concept began in episode 2 of the Engineering IRL Podcast back in July 2018. As noted in the book remnants of the steps had existed throughout my career and in this episode I actually recorded the episode off the top of my head. My goal was ...

  13. Class Lava Crossing Challenge: Hot Problem Solving

    Split the class into groups. Have each student team work within a particular constraint to solve the problem of crossing the lava (time, materials, distance, etc.). Then have the teams work together to develop a final class strategy for crossing the hot lava. Remind students that engineers often work in small teams to solve specific problem ...

  14. 9 Activities to Teach Engineering Design

    Engineers use a specific, step by step method to approach problem solving called the engineering design process. Engineering Design PowerPoint This fun NASA video for kids explains what engineers do. NASA for Kids: Intro to Engineering Draw & Label A Diagram

  15. 1.3: What is Problem Solving?

    If you are not sure how to fix the problem, it is okay to ask for help. Problem solving is a process and a skill that is learned with practice. It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and that no one knows everything. Life is about learning. It is okay to ask for help when you don't have the answer.

  16. Engineering Problem Solving

    Step 1 ¶ Identify each perspective that is involved in the decision you face. Remember that problems often mean different things in different perspectives. Relevant differences might include national expectations, organizational positions, disciplines, career trajectories, etc. Consider using the mnemonic device "Location, Knowledge, and Desire."

  17. PDF Introduction to Engineering Design and Problem Solving

    INTRODUCTION Engineering design is the creative process of identifying needs and then devising a solution to fill those needs. This solution may be a product, a technique, a structure, a project, a method, or many other things depending on the problem.

  18. ENGINEERING.com

    ENGINEERING.com's Games & Puzzles section is an excellent way to keep your engineering brain sharp. Tackle a web-based game, or challenge yourself with an engineering quiz. Enjoy puzzles created by and for engineers. MENU MENU Stories. The latest engineering related news and articles from around the world. ...

  19. The Ultimate List of Fun Engineering Activities for Kids

    Engineering uses science and math to solve real-world problems. Engineering is used for everything from building roads to completing data analysis tools at an insurance company. There is almost no career today that does not use engineering in some capacity.

  20. 15 Exciting Games for Engineers That Will Get You Hooked

    15 Great Computer Games for Engineers That Will Get You Hooked Games for engineers are essential for relaxation. Here's to working hard and playing harder with these 15 great games for...

  21. 10 Team-Building Activities for Engineers (With Benefits)

    10 Team-Building Activities for Engineers (With Benefits) Indeed Editorial Team Updated January 26, 2023 Like all teams, engineering teams are a composition of individuals who come together to achieve a shared goal. Team-building exercises can help your team members understand how to work together and learn their own roles within the team.

  22. Problems Worth Solving Competition

    The Problems Worth Solving Competition asks participants to explore this critical part of the entrepreneur's journey - identifying and exploring problems that could be the basis for a great business. ... This competition does not require a solution to the problem, only an important problem that could be the seed of a startup or investment ...