Explore Stemtastic Engineering: Hands-On Projects for Young Engineers

Each week of this STEM course features a unique design challenge addressing real-world problems that impact our lives and the environment. Students will be guided through the engineering design process, conducting research on weekly issues to understand their significance, and then develop their own innovative solutions. Throughout the course, participants will explore essential science and math concepts, utilize technology tools for solution creation and evaluation, and effectively communicate their findings. The curriculum includes opportunities for student-to-student and student-to-teacher interactions, as well as extension activities. Students will gain insights into various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, architectural engineering, and environmental engineering.

Challenges:
Week 1: There is a terrible drought going on in the landlocked country of Chad on the continent of Africa.  A humanitarian aid organization is planning to air drop supplies to remote villages. Can you design a container that will protect the supplies from any damage and land safely in the village?
Week 2:  Changes in the world’s climate have caused an increase in the number of avalanches in recent years.  Your city, located at the base of the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana, is planning to build barriers to protect the homes and citizens from avalanches and have asked your firm to submit a proposal. 
Week 3:  Earthquakes produce significant damage to property and city infrastructure every year. This challenge has two parts - first you will make your own seismograph to measure earthquake (shaking your table) strength.  Then design a structure that will withstand an earthquake with little to no damage.
Week 4:  As the world works to fight climate change, more cities are turning to alternative sources to produce clean electricity.  The mayor of your town has asked for wind turbines to be installed to produce energy, but wants them to have an artistic design that will enhance the city. Can you design a wind turbine that is also a kinetic sculpture to produce electricity in an aesthetically pleasing way?
Week 5:  Water pollution is a major problem in many areas of the world.  In this challenge you will design a water filtration system that will clean water that is polluted with various types of trash, using materials you have available at home.
Week 6:   Many ecosystems are being damaged by the introduction of species that are not native to the area. Recently, the Cuban Tree Frog has been spotted in some areas of Florida. They compete with native species for food and can be a nuisance for people. Florida Wildlife Preservation Society has asked your firm to create a way to trap and remove these frogs without harm so they can be relocated to their native habitat.