Engineering Day

1. Bridge Building Challenge

Students design and construct a small bridge using limited materials (popsicle sticks, straws, or spaghetti) that must support the most weight.

Skills:

• Structural engineering

• Problem solving

• Teamwork

Goal:
Highest strength-to-weight ratio wins.

2. Catapult Launch Challenge

Teams design a mini catapult to launch a ping pong ball at a target.

Skills:

• Mechanical engineering

• Accuracy testing

• Iteration

Goal:
Closest to target center wins.

3. Tower Strength Challenge

Students build the tallest free-standing tower using limited materials.

Materials Examples:

• Index cards

• Tape

• Spaghetti

• Marshmallows

Goal:
Tallest stable tower wins.

4. Water Filtration Challenge

Teams design a simple water filtration system using basic materials.

Materials Examples:

• Sand

• Gravel

• Coffee filters

• Bottles

Goal:
Cleanest water wins.

5. Rubber Band Car Challenge

Students build a rubber band-powered car.

Skills:

• Energy transfer

• Mechanical design

Goal:
Car that travels the farthest wins.

6. Cardboard Chair Challenge

Teams design a chair made of cardboard that supports weight.

Goal:
Chair must support a student for 10 seconds.

7. Straw Roller Coaster Challenge 

Students build a roller coaster track using straws and tape.

Goal:
Marble must travel from start to finish.

8. Wind Turbine Challenge 

Students design a mini wind turbine.

Goal:
Generate the most voltage or lift the most weight.

9. Balloon Rocket Challenge 

Students design a balloon-powered rocket system on a string.

Goal:
Fastest rocket wins.

10. Rube Goldberg Machine

Students create a chain reaction machine.

Goal:
Complete a simple task in the most creative way.

Example Tasks:

• Ring a bell

• Pop a balloon

• Flip a switch

11. Aluminum Boat Challenge 

Students design a foil boat.

Goal:
Boat that holds the most pennies wins.