Design Challenges

STEM activities for curious families and classrooms

Technovation Families' free design challenges explore a range of science, technology, and engineering topics through fun, hands-on activities that promote creativity and problem-solving to find unique solutions.

Learn from the scientists and engineers who are creating the technologies of tomorrow, and use what you learn to build your own invention!

Young girl smiling

Mechanical Engineering Design Challenges

Engineer an Ocean Bottom Sampler

Engineer an Ocean Bottom Sampler

Design a tool that can lift objects from a water depth of at least 1 foot.

Engineer a Balloon Helicopter

Engineer a Balloon Helicopter

Build a balloon helicopter that can fly at least 3 feet from the ground.

Build a Cam Mechanism

Build a Cam Mechanism

Create a simple machine that transfers a rotational motion into a linear vertical motion.

Build a Joint Mechanism

Build a Joint Mechanism

Turn a straw into a simple machine that works in the same way that the joints in your body work.

Build a Crank Mechanism

Build a Crank Mechanism

Build a simple machine that transfers rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion (repetitive back and forth motion).

Engineer a Space Tool

Engineer a Space Tool

Design a tool that an astronaut could use to pick up an object in space.

Design a Wind-Up Mars Rover

Design a Wind-Up Mars Rover

Build a Mars rover that can travel using elastic energy.

Build a Mighty Machine

Build a Mighty Machine

Build a mighty machine that jumps up, sideways, or flips over. The whole structure should jump into the air.

Engineer a Bird Beak

Engineer a Bird Beak

Engineer a beak that will allow you to pick up as much food as possible in one try without using your hands.

Are you ready to change the world?

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