This class consists of twelve separate engineering design challenges that encourage learners to think critically to solve simple problems. Along the way they will learn about different branches of engineering and careers.  All of the challenges will use common household or easy to obtain materials, many of which are recyclable.  The class is inquiry based and hands on, focusing on collaboration and will help learners to understand that failure is part of the learning process, as many of their first designs will have failure points.  Engineers like failure!  There are twelve different challenges, which will cycle again in week 13.
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.