Engineering (Grade 3-5)

Unit 1: Mechanical Engineering

Project 1: Alternative Fuel Vehicles

As a research scientist you understand that burning fossil fuels releases harmful gasses into the air. Powering our vehicles with a renewable resource, such as wind, water, or sunlight, would help keep the earth cleaner. You and your team will redesign an existing model or create a new vehicle that can function using a renewable energy source. Products in this task include a drawing, build and presentation.

Project 2: Roller Coaster Designer

Engineers want to understand why and how things work. As a member of an amusement park engineering team, you and your team will design a roller coaster to enter a competition. To be considered a finalist, you know your design must work but also have a unique theme or “twist” to make your coaster stand out from all the other entries. Will your team have what it takes to win? Products in this task include a drawing, build and presentation.

Project 3: Toy Designer

Toys are created for many reasons. You will be working on a toy design team that will design a new toy that uses some kind of physical science, for example balance or magnets. The toy should be fun and educational as well. Products in this task include a drawing, build and presentation.