"To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk." Thomas Edison

Junk Box Wars links
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Project Resources

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Junk Box Wars vs.
Junkyard Wars TV Show


Project Library
= Favorite projects from Mrs. Trimpe's classroom
= Favorite projects from Mrs. Baker's classroom

Each download includes student information, score sheets, and a teacher page.
Be sure to check out the Junk Box Wars Resources section for other project materials.

Super Slingers - Create a device that will launch a bouncy ball at a target to earn points.
Also available ... Super Slingers with Easter Peeps or Super Slingers with Pumpkin Peeps - Students are challenged to create a device that will launch a peep to earn points in three different categories. A powerpoint is available for both versions - Easter Peeps PPT or Pumpkin Peeps PPT - and can be edited for your challenge.

The Weakest Link - Build the longest chain that will hold the most weight.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. I also have a Think About It! worksheet available that was designed specifically for this project.

Super Structures - Create a structure that is capable of supporting a large amount of pennies.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. I also have a worksheet available that explores the Building Big website.

Rocket Rally - Create an air-powered rocket that will travel the greatest distance.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge.  Visit these sites for ideas for paper rocket projects - Paper Rockets, NASA Paper Rockets, NASA Advanced Paper Rockets, and Paper Rocket Construction.

Bottle Blasters - Create a device that will launch a ball to knock over bottles and earn points.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge.

Battle of the Boats - Create a boat that will travel a specified distance in the shortest time.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. 

Zoom Machines - Create a rubber band vehicle that will travel a specified distance in the shortest time.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. Check out the Sefl-Propelled Learning activity from PBS.  Other lessons and ideas are available at the Rubber Band Cars page at the Design Squad or Teach Engineering.

Bridge Challenge - Construct a bridge that will allow a vehicle to travel safely across a "canyon".
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge.

Drop Zone - Build a parachute that will help an egg land safely on a target.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge.

Magnificent Marble Maze - Build a marble maze that will result in the longest run time.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. Learn more about Rube Goldberg devices by visiting his website.

Ultimate Gumball Machine - Build a machine that will sort gumballs by size in the shortest amount of time.
Note:  A powerpoint for this project is available and it may be edited for your challenge. Check out the Engineer a Coin Sorter activity on the TeachEngineering website or the Coin Sorter activity on the ZOOM website.

Super Subs - Create a submarine that will sink and come to the surface in the shortest amount of time.
 Note: Check out the Sink, Float, Hover lab activity or Exploring Buoyancy lab for ideas to help your students.

 

Visit the Project Resources page for worksheets, checklists,
rubrics, and more to help you organize your Junk Box Wars event.