Desafíos STEM semanales para edades de 8 a 12 años: ¡Conviértete en ingeniero!

This class features twelve engaging engineering design challenges that encourage learners to think critically and solve simple problems. Throughout the course, students will explore various branches of engineering and potential careers in the field. Each challenge utilizes common household or easily obtainable materials, many of which are recyclable, promoting sustainability. The inquiry-based, hands-on approach fosters collaboration and helps learners understand that failure is an integral part of the learning process, as many initial designs will encounter failure points. Embracing failure is key for engineers! The twelve unique challenges will repeat in week 13, providing ample opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Week 1: Parking Garage Challenge: How tall can you build a parking garage that will hold the weight of a toy car using only index cards?
Week 2: Throwing Snowballs: Build a device that will toss a snowball (cotton ball) into a target cup using craft sticks and rubber bands.
Week 3: Building Bridges: Build a bridge that will span a "river" and support the weight of toy cars crossing using only recyclable materials, index cards, and craft sticks.
Week 4: Beautiful Music: Create a variety of instruments using household items, while learning about sound, pitch, and vibrations.
Week 5: Strawkets: Use straws and paper to make a rocket that will "fly" as high as possible.
Week 6: Amusement Park Fun: Build a working Ferris Wheel using craft sticks, straws, and paper.
Week 7: Catch that Bug!: Design and build a working insect trap with recyclables, pipe cleaners, and cups.
Week 8: Safe Flight: Create airplanes using card stock and a variety of designs, then change variables to find out which flies farthest.
Week 9: Tower to the Moon: Build the tallest tower you can using only straws.
Week 10: Look Ma, No Hands!: Create a device to hold a book for you to read without holding it with your hands.
Week 11: Rolling Around: Create a marble run that takes several different turns to deliver a marble into a cup, using paper rolls, tape, and straws.
Week 12: Sail Away: Create a wind powered car using common household materials.