In this ongoing class students will learn about the engineering design process and how it is used to solve everyday problems. Each lesson will begin with a story to set up the challenge as well as a mini lesson to provide background knowledge on the topic. For example- if we are designing a boat that needs to hold weight without sinking, we will learn a bit about boats and how they float before our building time begins.  If students finish during the class time, they may present their findings and results. Some students may require extra time to complete the challenges. They are welcome to post their results in the classroom.

Supplies will be listed in course description each week, but supplies are always "suggested supplies". Students are welcome to use any supplies they choose, it’s time to get creative! Students that plan to attend class often may want to create a supply basket of materials. Toilet paper tubes, empty plastic containers, cardboard, etc. are excellent supplies. Don’t forget the scissors and tape, keep plenty of tape on hand! Masking tape is my personal favorite, but any strong tape will do.

No prior knowledge is necessary to participate in any of the classes, join us anytime!  More topics will continue to be added.

Note: If the supply list for the week says "needed" students will need these supplies to participate.  If the supply list says "suggested" students may build with whatever they have on hand, I have just listed some ideas.

Schedule of class topics:

Week of December 31: Gingerbread Man Escape; Students will design something for the Gingerbread Man to escape from being eaten. 
Supply Suggestions: straws, craft sticks, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, string/yarn, cardboard, toilet paper/paper towel tubes, building bricks, anything else you may want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of January 7: Sled in a Blizzard; Students will learn about how sleds work.  They will then design a sled that can hold weight.
Supply Suggestions: straws, craft sticks, string/yarn, pipe cleaners, anything else you may want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of January 14: Sledding Ramp; Students will learn about how ramps work.  They will then design a sledding ramp for a small object such as a bottle cap.  
Supply Suggestions: craft sticks, cardboard, toilet paper/paper towel tubes, cardstock, index cards, straws, anything else you may want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of January 21: Hibernation Station; Students will learn about why animals hibernate.  They will then design a place for an animal to spend the winter hibernating.  
Supply Suggestions: paper plates, aluminum foil, cotton balls, scraps of fabric, craft sticks, pipe cleaners, straws, cardboard, index cards, anything else you may want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of January 28: House of Cards; Students will learn about shapes that are used in the construction of buildings.  They will then build a house made of cards for a toy of their choosing. 
Needed Supplies: 1 deck of cards or index cards, tape, and a toy of your choosing

Week of February 11: Build a Candy Box ; Students will learn about volume and capacity.  They will then build a box that could hold candy. 
Suggested Supplies: building blocks/bricks, playdough, construction paper, cardboard pieces, index cards, straws, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, anything else you may want to use, scissors, and tape

Week of February 18: Candy Dispenser ; Students will learn about different types of candy dispensers.  They will then build their own candy dispenser. (BB Feb. Monthly STEM)
Needed Supplies: 2 empty toilet paper tubes, 1 foot of aluminum foil, tape, scissors, and markers