Engineering design challenges are a great way for students to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These challenges often require students to apply concepts they have learned in their engineering courses to design and build a working prototype. Here are some other engineering design challenges that students can try:
Design a Solar-Powered Car
Solar-powered cars use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which powers the car’s electric motor. Students can design and build a solar-powered car using materials such as cardboard, foam board, and solar panels. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of solar energy and electric motors.
Design a Rube Goldberg Machine
A Rube Goldberg machine is a complex contraption that performs a simple task through a series of chain reactions. Students can design and build a Rube Goldberg machine using everyday objects such as marbles, dominoes, and toy cars. This challenge requires students to think creatively and use their knowledge of physics to design a machine that performs a specific task.
Design a Hydraulic Arm
A hydraulic arm is a mechanical arm that uses fluid power to perform tasks such as lifting heavy objects. Students can design and build a hydraulic arm using materials such as syringes, plastic tubing, and cardboard. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of fluid mechanics and apply them to design a working hydraulic arm.
Design a Wind Turbine
Wind turbines use the power of the wind to generate electricity. Students can design and build a wind turbine using materials such as PVC pipes, wooden dowels, and DC motors. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of aerodynamics and renewable energy.
Design a Water Filtration System
Clean water is essential for human survival, but many communities around the world lack access to clean water. Students can design and build a water filtration system using materials such as sand, gravel, and activated carbon. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of water filtration and design a system that can effectively remove contaminants from water.
Design a Bridge
Bridges are essential infrastructure that allow people and goods to travel across bodies of water and other obstacles. Students can design and build a bridge using materials such as toothpicks, popsicle sticks, and glue. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of structural engineering and design a bridge that can support a specific weight.
Design a Robot
Robots are becoming increasingly important in many industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. Students can design and build a robot using materials such as Arduino boards, servos, and sensors. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of robotics and programming.
Design a Roller Coaster
Roller coasters are a thrilling form of entertainment that require careful engineering and design. Students can design and build a roller coaster using materials such as cardboard, foam board, and marbles. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of physics and design a roller coaster that is both safe and exciting.
Design a Solar-Powered Water Heater
Solar-powered water heaters use the power of the sun to heat water for use in homes and businesses. Students can design and build a solar-powered water heater using materials such as copper tubing, glass jars, and black paint. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of thermal energy and renewable energy.
Design a Mars Rover
Exploring Mars is an exciting challenge that requires advanced engineering and technology. Students can design and build a Mars rover using materials such as LEGO bricks, motors, and sensors. This challenge requires students to understand the principles of robotics, programming, and space exploration.
Engineering design challenges are a great way for students to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. There are many different challenges that students can try, from designing a solar-powered car to building a Mars rover. These challenges require students to apply concepts they have learned in their engineering courses and think creatively to design and build a working prototype.
