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

Make a Pine Cone

Make a Pine Cone

Make a pinecone that can open and close.

Engineer an Air-Powered Spinning Machine

Engineer an Air-Powered Spinning Machine

Build an air-powered spinning machine inspired by Boeing CST-100 Starliner.

Build a Buoyant Catamaran

Build a Buoyant Catamaran

Engineer a catamaran that can carry 15 ounces of cargo without sinking.

Engineer a Wind Powered Water Pump

Engineer a Wind Powered Water Pump

Build a wind powered turbine that can pump water up from the ground.

Build a Rube Goldberg Machine

Build a Rube Goldberg Machine

Build a machine that accomplishes a task in an inefficient way.

Build a Strong Honeycomb Structure

Build a Strong Honeycomb Structure

Build a honeycomb structure that is able to support a heavy textbook or more.

Engineer a Speedboat

Engineer a Speedboat

Build a fast, stable boat that can move through the water for long distances on a zip line.

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.

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