Project Library

Super Slingers - Create a device that will launch a projectile (bouncy ball or large marshmallow) 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.

Do a lesson on projectiles prior to begining the project - Click here for the Projectile Motion lab on PHET, the student worksheet, and the classroom Power Point.  Challenge students to use what they learned to modify their mousetrap catapults to make them work better!\

Check out the Engineering for Good unit on PBS Learning Media - I utilized their resources to introduce students to engineering design for our latest Super Slingers project.  Click HERE for my class notes that includes criteria and constraints related to the Super Slingers project.  A student worksheet is also available - 2 worksheets per page.

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 that I use prior to starting the project.  We discuss what they learned during the online activity and I challenge them to apply this knowledge when they build and test their structures.

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 - NASA Paper Rockets and NASA Advanced Paper Rockets.

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 Try 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.

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