Home Engineering Challenge #1: Build a Tower

This activity is a simple and very customizable one, but can introduce a student to the engineering design cycle.

Engineering is the application of science to solve problems, whereas science is more a focus on developing the knowledge we need to develop applications. There is overlap, but “traditional” education has often overlooked applications because, well, engineering isn’t really tested. That’s why STEM is showing up so often now!

My engineer, using her multitasking skills to speak with a customer on the phone while building her tower.

An important part of engineering is the Engineering Design Cycle. The details vary widely, similarly to the details of the Scientific Method, but the general idea is always the same:

First, you learn about a problem you’d like to solve. What are the needs (a bridge, recycling plant, medical device, electrical grid, etc.)? What are the limitations (cost, materials, time, etc.)?

Next, plan what you are going to do. What materials do you need? What do you still need to get? How much do you think it will cost? How will you build it? Can you do it on your own or do you need help? This is where you can draw a blueprint.

Then, build it! This can be the fun part...or the frustrating part.

Last, but not last, evaluate it. Did it meet the needs? Did it follow the limitations? Were you over budget or under budget? Are you happy with it? How could you make it better, taller, faster, cheaper?

Now, repeat until you are happy with your project! Research ways to improve. Learn a little more about the physics that make your bridge topple over. Learn about the materials that make electricity flow better. Make another plan, and build it again! Was it any better?

The Design Cycle can be repeated as many times as you’d like. Don’t stop until you, or your customer, are happy. (For this activity, and depending on the age of the engineer, I suggest limiting it to two cycles, so you can explore the cycle without getting too bored or frustrated.

The discussion questions are designed to guide the engineer through the activity. There is no procedure because your engineer will decide what to do!

Home Engineering Challenge #1: Building a Tower

Materials:

Anything that can be used to build a tower and is age-appropriate. Duplo or Lego blocks, wooden blocks, popsicle sticks and glue, newspaper and tape, books, couch cushions. That old stationery that has been sitting in your basement for years because you got it as a gift and don’t want to throw it away, but who uses stationery anymore?

Challenge:

You have been hired to design a tower as high as possible, with the materials you have. 

Discussion Questions:

Preschool and Elementary

Learn: What is your goal? What materials do you have? What do you wish you had more of? Why can’t you get more of it?

Plan: How will you build your tower? Draw a picture of your idea.

Build: Build it! Set a timer for more challenge or to maintain focus.

Evaluate: Do you like your tower? Do you think it is tall? Could you make it taller? What would you need to get or do to make it taller?

Middle School

Learn: What is your goal? What resources do you have? What are your limitations? How can you overcome your limitations? What information can you find that might help you achieve your goal?

Plan: How will you build your tower? Sketch a blueprint.

Build: Build it! Set a timer for more challenge or to maintain focus. Write down or sketch ideas for improvement that come up while you work.

Evaluate: What does it mean to evaluate? Did you achieve your goal? Did any unexpected obstacles appear? How could you improve your tower? What information can you find that might help you improve your tower?

High School

Learn: What is your goal? What resources do you have? What are your limitations? What information can you find that might help you achieve your goal? How might you acquire more resources?

Plan: How will you build your tower? Sketch a blueprint. What is the scale of your blueprint? Is it specific enough that someone else could follow it?

Build: Build it! Set a timer for more challenge or to maintain focus. Keep notes that you can review later, when it comes time to evaluate.

Evaluate: Did you achieve your goal? Did any unexpected obstacles appear? How could you improve your tower? What information can you find that might help you improve your tower? If you are happy with your design, how could you communicate to others what you’ve learned?