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Testing Designs

Student presenting prototype

Design Thinking

Learn about the Design Thinking process and how it can be used with students.

XB-35

Strange Shapes in the Sky: Stealth and Flying Wings

Learn about how and why engineers designed and built some very unique aircraft.

B-58 Hustler in flight

Testing for Aviation Safety

Learn about some of the ways that aircraft and spacecraft are tested.

Scale aircraft in a wind tunnel

Pre-flight Testing

Learn about some of the ways Aerospace engineers test new designs.

Alan Locke au travail

Alan Locke

Research Technologist

Hut on a tiny island

How can we build a structure that protects toy people from wind?

Design and build a structure that protects toy people from the wind.

Recycled bottle bird feeder

Innovating with Form and Function

Students use their understanding of form and function to design an innovative object or device.

Screen shot from Solutioneers Episode 2

The Solutioneers Week 2: Ready to Roll

This week's episodes and hands-on activity explore re-engineering.

How can I make a bottle rocket?

How can I make a bottle rocket?

Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.

How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?

How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?

Can you think like an engineer? Try to solve a tricky size and shape problem in this activity.

How can I build a rollercoaster?

How can I build a rollercoaster?

Try your hand at building a “super coaster” using materials around your home.

How can a person walk through a sheet of paper?

How can a person walk through a sheet of paper?

In this challenge activity discover how one piece of paper can go a long way. It's time to think outside the box!

Water falling on plants

Design & Build an Irrigation System

Students will work collaboratively to design and build a simple irrigation system that transports water to at least two plants from one source without leaking.

Dandelion seeds floating in the wind

Design & Build a Travelling Seed

Students will work collaboratively to design and build models of seeds that can travel as far as possible.

Wooden toy train

Design & Build a Toy that Moves

Students will work collaboratively to design and build a toy that is moved using forces applied by magnets.