AFOSR Engineering Design Challenge Database
This is a new collection of engineering design challenges for K-12 students that are ready to implement! These resources were developed by AFOSR high school interns from the National Capital Region, and they will continue to expand over time. Try one out with your students today!
Bridge to Nowhere
Students will construct a bridge out of popsicle sticks that fits a given set of design parameters. Students will then be judged based on how much weight the bridge is able to hold.
Suggested Grade Levels: Grades 4-8
Total Time: 2 hrs to build, plus more for glue-drying
Tower Trouble
In this design challenge, students will build a tower out of marshmallows and toothpicks. The goal is to make the tallest freestanding tower possible out of the materials given.
Suggested Grade Levels: Grades K-8
Total Time: 45- 90 minutes, depending on procedure
The great shake
In this challenge, teams will build a house that meets the given design specifications and then test how well it performs on the shake table.
Suggested Grade Levels: Grades 6-8
Total Time: 1 hour
Medieval Warfare: Seige Engines
This challenge will pit two teams against each other in an engineering battle where one creates a castle wall section and the other creates a siege engine. The two teams have a set time limit to complete a functional build, and their builds will then be tested to see which team was able to come up with the more ingenious medieval design. Students will first research the principles behind how their chosen device works and will then apply their research in creating a final, functional creation.
Suggested Grade Levels: Grades 9-12
Total Time: 1 week - 2 hours/day
