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!

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All Design Challenges

Build a Magnetic Nanoparticle Coating

Build a Magnetic Nanoparticle Coating

Design a coating for a magnet that will pick up different surfaces.

Design a Set of Mechanical Genes

Design a Set of Mechanical Genes

Design a set of mechanical genes that control the way something grows.

Build a Long Spanning Wing

Build a Long Spanning Wing

Build a wing that can support its own weight over a span of at least two feet. Inspired by Boeing’s Phantom Eye

Build a DNA Origami Inspired Structure

Build a DNA Origami Inspired Structure

Make a container (out of pasta) that can travel along a zipline and deliver a cargo (candy).

Engineer an Electronic Water Level Detector

Engineer an Electronic Water Level Detector

Build an open circuit that completes when the water level drops below a certain level and/or goes above a certain level.

Balance a Dinosaur

Balance a Dinosaur

Build a dinosaur at least 6" tall that can balance on two legs using counterbalances.

Construct a Crane

Construct a Crane

Build a crane that uses simple machines and mechanical advantage to move heavy objects.

Build a Rocket Inspired by SLS

Build a Rocket Inspired by SLS

Build a stomp rocket that can carry a ping pong ball and hit a target.

Engineer a Fuel Level Detector

Engineer a Fuel Level Detector

Engineer a sensor that can detect how much fuel is in your tank

Are you ready to change the world?

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