Basic Engineering Design Challenge

The basic engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem. Many times the solution involves designing a product (like a machine or computer code) that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain task. This activity models a simple challenge to teach the design process and have fun at the same time!

  • Supplies:
  1. paper plates
  2. paper cups
  3. straws
  4. paperclips
  5. 8.5×11 paper
  6. Index card
  7. other items as you see fit
  • Challenge:

Create an air-powered vehicle from the materials provided that can travel as far as possible with one “puff” of air from your lungs.