Engineering challenges are an awesome way to get kids thinking, building, and creating! These hands-on activities make learning about physics, design, and innovation super fun—without feeling like schoolwork. Whether it’s a rainy day or just time for a break from screens, these projects will spark curiosity and creativity. Plus, with just a few everyday materials, kids can design, test, and tweak their own inventions while picking up key STEM skills. Ready to dive in? Here are 25 exciting engineering challenges to try at home or in the classroom!
Egg Drop Challenge
Kids must design a protective container to keep an egg from breaking when dropped from a height. Using materials like cotton balls, straws, and plastic bags, they can create cushioning systems. They’ll learn about impact force, energy absorption, and aerodynamics. Drop the egg from different heights and observe the results. What worked best to prevent cracking? Encourage redesigning to improve effectiveness. Compare different designs and discuss why some succeeded while others failed. This real-world engineering challenge teaches valuable problem-solving skills.
Paper Bridge Challenge
Using only paper and tape, kids must design a bridge that can support the most weight. They can experiment with folding, rolling, or layering the paper for added strength. Once built, test the bridge by placing small objects, such as coins, on top. What designs hold up the best? Encourage them to iterate on their designs, adding reinforcements or adjusting angles. Explain real-world applications, like how engineers design bridges. Challenge them to improve their bridge after testing. Celebrate the most successful designs and discuss why they worked.
Popsicle Stick Catapult
Have kids construct a simple catapult using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a spoon. This activity introduces concepts of force, leverage, and trajectory. They can experiment with different designs to see which one launches objects the farthest. Challenge them to adjust angles and test different objects as projectiles. Encourage discussions on energy transfer and how real catapults worked in history. Try adding weights to change the power of the launch. Measure the distances and record the results. Keep modifying the design to improve accuracy and distance.
Marshmallow and Toothpick Towers
Encourage kids to build the tallest tower they can using only marshmallows and toothpicks. This challenge helps develop an understanding of structural stability and balance. They can experiment with different shapes, such as triangles for extra strength. Once their tower is built, test its durability by gently shaking the table. Can they modify their design to make it more stable? Consider introducing weight challenges, like placing a small object on top. Discuss why some structures hold up better than others. Encourage them to redesign and improve upon their first attempt.
Balloon-Powered Car
Using a balloon, straws, and wheels (such as bottle caps), kids can build a small car propelled by air. This introduces Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Have them test different balloon sizes to see how it affects speed. Encourage them to modify their designs for better performance. What happens when they change the size of the wheels? Track distances and discuss improvements. This challenge provides insight into propulsion and aerodynamics. Encourage competition to see whose car travels the farthest.
Straw Roller Coasters
Challenge kids to build a roller coaster for a small ball using only straws and tape. They will explore gravity, momentum, and friction. Can they create loops, turns, and drops? Encourage testing and adjustments to make the ball travel smoothly. Discuss how real roller coasters are engineered for thrill and safety. Let them refine their designs to improve performance. Compare different tracks and identify the most successful features. This activity sparks creativity while teaching essential physics concepts.
Rubber Band-Powered Boat
With a plastic bottle, rubber bands, and a paddle, kids can create a simple boat that moves through water. They’ll learn about stored energy and propulsion. Wind up the rubber band and release it to see how far the boat can go. Encourage experimentation with paddle shapes and sizes. How do different designs affect movement? Discuss how real boats use similar propulsion methods. Challenge kids to race their boats and refine their models. This hands-on activity introduces mechanical engineering in a fun way.
DIY Flashlight
Let kids create a simple flashlight using batteries, wires, and a small bulb. They’ll learn about electrical circuits and conductivity. Challenge them to make the light brighter by adjusting the wiring. Encourage troubleshooting if the circuit doesn’t work at first. Discuss how real flashlights are designed for efficiency. Have them experiment with different switch mechanisms. Compare their designs and identify improvements. This introduces fundamental electrical engineering concepts in an interactive way.
Paper Airplane Distance Challenge
Kids can design and test different paper airplane models to see which one flies the farthest. This challenge introduces aerodynamics and the effects of wing shape on flight. Have them experiment with folds, wing angles, and paper types. Test the airplanes and measure distances to determine the best design. Encourage them to make modifications to improve their results. Discuss how real airplanes are designed for stability and efficiency. Let them compare designs and analyze why some fly farther than others. This activity promotes creativity and scientific thinking.
Lego Bridge Strength Test
Using Lego bricks, kids can build a bridge that can hold the most weight. This challenge teaches structural engineering and stability concepts. Encourage them to experiment with different bridge designs, such as arches or trusses. Test the bridges by adding small weights until they collapse. Discuss what makes a bridge strong and how real engineers solve these challenges. Have them refine their designs based on testing results. Compare different bridge styles to see which holds the most weight. This challenge encourages problem-solving and iterative learning.
Water Filtration Experiment
Kids will build a simple water filter using materials like sand, gravel, and activated charcoal. This challenge teaches them about the principles of filtration and how water is purified. Start by having them construct a layered filter inside a plastic bottle or cup. Pour dirty water through the filter and observe the changes. Discuss why certain materials help clean the water better than others. Encourage experimenting with different layers and arrangements. Relate this activity to real-world water filtration systems used in cities and nature. This hands-on challenge fosters problem-solving and environmental awareness.
Domino Chain Reaction
This activity challenges kids to create a long and complex chain reaction using dominos. They’ll learn about cause and effect, momentum, and timing. Encourage them to experiment with different spacing between dominos to see how it affects the reaction. Adding curves, jumps, or multiple triggering points can make the setup more exciting. Discuss how energy transfers from one domino to the next. Challenge them to build the longest or most creative chain possible. If their design fails, encourage troubleshooting and adjustments. This challenge helps develop patience, planning, and fine motor skills.
Homemade Parachute
Kids will design and build a parachute using materials like plastic bags, coffee filters, or fabric. This challenge teaches principles of air resistance and drag. Have them attach the parachute to a small weight, like a toy or a coin, and drop it from a height. Observe how different materials and shapes affect the parachute’s descent. Encourage them to modify the design to slow down the fall as much as possible. Discuss how real parachutes are engineered for safety. Compare results and refine the design for better performance. This activity introduces aerodynamics in a hands-on and engaging way.
Cup Stacking Engineering
In this challenge, kids must create the tallest or most stable structure using only plastic cups. They will explore balance, symmetry, and load distribution. Encourage them to experiment with different stacking techniques, such as pyramids or towers. Challenge them to use a limited number of cups to build the most creative design. Observe which structures collapse and discuss why some are more stable than others. Introduce time constraints to add excitement and test problem-solving under pressure. Encourage teamwork by having kids collaborate on their designs. This activity develops spatial awareness, planning, and engineering skills.
DIY Pulley System
Kids can explore mechanical advantage by building a simple pulley system using string, spools, and a small bucket. This challenge introduces basic physics concepts, such as force and motion. Encourage them to experiment with single pulleys and multiple pulley configurations to see how it affects lifting effort. Have them test their pulley system by lifting different weighted objects. Discuss how pulleys are used in real-world applications, like cranes and elevators. Challenge them to refine their design for efficiency. Compare different setups to determine which reduces effort the most. This hands-on activity helps kids understand the principles of mechanical engineering in a fun and interactive way.
Zip Line for Toys
Kids can create a miniature zip line using string, a hanger, or a pulley and attach small toys to ride down. This challenge teaches the principles of gravity, friction, and tension. Encourage them to experiment with different string materials and inclines to adjust speed. They can test how the weight of the toy affects its movement. Discuss how real zip lines are designed for safety and efficiency. Challenge them to create a braking system to slow the toy at the end of the ride. Compare different designs to determine which one is the most effective. This hands-on activity makes learning about physics engaging and fun.
Magnet-Powered Cars
Kids can create small cars that move using the force of magnets instead of traditional engines. This challenge introduces the concepts of magnetic attraction and repulsion. Provide children with small toy cars and attach magnets to them. By placing another magnet near the car, they can push or pull it without touching it. Encourage them to experiment with different magnet strengths and distances. Discuss how maglev trains use magnetic forces for real-world applications. Challenge them to create a track or obstacle course for their magnet-powered car. This hands-on activity demonstrates the power of invisible forces in engineering.
Floating Penny Boat Challenge
Kids will design and build a small boat using aluminum foil that can float while holding as many pennies as possible. This activity introduces buoyancy, weight distribution, and material properties. Encourage them to test different boat shapes, such as flat rafts or curved hulls, to see which design holds the most weight. Have them predict how many pennies their boat will hold before sinking. Discuss why some designs work better than others based on surface area and water displacement. Encourage them to modify and improve their boats after testing. Compare results and discuss real-world applications like cargo ships and flotation devices. This challenge helps kids understand fundamental physics concepts in a hands-on way.
Index Card Tower Challenge
Using only index cards and tape, kids must construct the tallest freestanding tower possible. This challenge teaches them about balance, structural integrity, and weight distribution. Encourage them to test different base shapes, such as squares or triangles, to see which provides the best stability. Have them measure and record their tower’s height after each attempt. Discuss how engineers design skyscrapers to withstand wind and other forces. Encourage modifications, such as reinforcing weak points or adding layers for support. Compare results to determine which designs are the most effective. This hands-on challenge helps kids think critically and iteratively about design improvements.
Straw Airplanes
Kids will construct airplanes using straws and paper to explore aerodynamics and stability. They can experiment with different wing shapes to see how they affect flight. Encourage testing various straw lengths for balance. Discuss how lift, drag, and thrust play a role in real airplanes. Measure flight distances and modify designs for improvements. Compare different models to see which flies the farthest. This activity teaches engineering concepts in a simple, hands-on way. Encourage creativity by allowing kids to decorate their planes.
Coin Spinners
Using cardboard, toothpicks, and coins, kids will create spinning tops. They’ll learn about balance, rotational force, and friction. Experiment with different shapes and weights to see how they affect spin time. Discuss how spinning objects maintain stability through inertia. Challenge them to modify designs for longer spinning times. Observe how the distribution of weight changes performance. Compare different spinners to determine the best design. This challenge introduces physics in a fun and interactive way.
Clothespin Helicopters
Kids will create small helicopters using clothespins, paper, and rubber bands. This activity teaches them about lift, air resistance, and gravity. Have them adjust blade shapes to see how it affects the descent. Drop helicopters from different heights and compare results. Discuss how real helicopters generate lift to stay in the air. Encourage modifications for a slower and more stable descent. Compare which designs work best and why. This challenge provides hands-on experience with aerodynamics.
DIY Sundial
Kids will build a sundial using a stick and a circular paper base. They’ll learn about the Earth’s rotation and how shadows indicate time. Place the sundial outside and mark the shadow’s position throughout the day. Discuss how ancient civilizations used sundials for timekeeping. Experiment with different stick angles to see how they affect accuracy. Compare results with a real clock to observe time differences. Encourage kids to decorate their sundial for a personal touch. This activity connects engineering with astronomy in an engaging way.
Slinky Staircase Experiment
Kids will explore physics by making a Slinky walk down the stairs. They’ll observe how gravity, momentum, and energy transfer work together. Encourage them to test different stair heights to see how it affects movement. Discuss why the Slinky moves the way it does. Experiment with different types of Slinkies and compare results. Challenge them to create an obstacle course for the Slinky. Observe how tension in the coils contributes to its movement. This activity is a fun introduction to kinetic energy and mechanics.
Wind-Powered Pinwheel
Kids build a working pinwheel using paper, straws, and push pins. They learn about wind energy and aerodynamics. Encourage them to experiment with blade shapes and sizes. Observe which pinwheels spin the fastest and why. Challenge them to modify their design for maximum efficiency. Discuss real-world applications of wind turbines and renewable energy. Test the pinwheels with different wind sources, like a fan or blowing air. This challenge encourages creativity and introduces sustainable energy concepts.