![Students testing a prototype](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Prototyping.jpg?itok=nfQOwr3x)
Prototyping
Teaching STEM
A prototype is a working model that is used to test a design solution and is typically what is built or created during a student “Design & Build” challenge.
![Students design planning](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Design_planning_0.jpg?itok=3D5KRzze)
Design Planning
Teaching STEM
A design plan lays out ways in which students will develop and test the agreed-upon solution to a Design & Build challenge.
![Peter Rautapuro | Ingénieur de systèmesIngénieur de systèmes](/sites/default/files/styles/career_image/public/2019-09/Peter%20Rautapuro_0.jpg?itok=9WrnUjKf)
Peter Rautapuro
Systems Engineer
![Construction vehicles use hydraulics. Image © Djahan, iStockPhoto.com](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Construction%20vehicles%20use%20hydraulics.jpg?itok=9wlkKEIz)
Hydraulics 101
STEM Explained
Hydraulics power many of the large machines you see around you.
![How can a person walk through a sheet of paper?](/sites/default/files/2019-08/how-can-a-person-walk-through-a-sheet-of-paper.jpg)
How can a person walk through a sheet of paper?
Hands-on Activities
In this challenge activity discover how one piece of paper can go a long way. It's time to think outside the box!
![How can I build a rollercoaster?](/sites/default/files/2019-08/how-can-i-build-a-roller-coaster.jpg)
How can I build a rollercoaster?
Hands-on Activities
Try your hand at building a “super coaster” using materials around your home.
![How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?](/sites/default/files/2019-08/how-can-i-get-a-quarter-through-a-dime-sized-hole.jpg)
How can I get a quarter through a dime sized hole?
Hands-on Activities
Can you think like an engineer? Try to solve a tricky size and shape problem in this activity.
![How can I make a bottle rocket?](/sites/default/files/2019-08/how-can-i-make-a-bottle-rocket.jpg)
How can I make a bottle rocket?
Hands-on Activities
Use a pop bottle and other everyday materials to create a rocket that you can launch outdoors.
![Rattle drum](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Rattle_drum.jpg?itok=78KCsKh-)
Design & Build a Musical Instrument
Lessons
Students will learn about the properties of sound as they design, test and build a musical instrument.
![Hand holding oak tree seeds](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Hand_holding_acorn.jpg?itok=zfAUmN9z)
Design & Build a Seed Saver
Lessons
Students will work collaboratively to design and build a structure that will protect a seed from the elements.
![Assortment of seeds](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Assortment_of_seeds.jpg?itok=GZAoRu_W)
Design & Build a Seed Sorter
Lessons
Students will work collaboratively to design and build a device that is able to sort seeds by size.
![Wooden toy train](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-11/Wooden_toy_train.jpg?itok=5Jn1_Kkv)
Design & Build a Toy that Moves
Lessons
Students will work collaboratively to design and build a toy that is moved using forces applied by magnets.
![Dandelion seeds floating in the wind](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-12/dandelion_seeds.jpg?itok=_6JNjv98)
Design & Build a Travelling Seed
Lessons
Students will work collaboratively to design and build models of seeds that can travel as far as possible.
![Water falling on plants](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-09/Water_falling_on_plants.jpg?itok=SNPm5E0Y)
Design & Build an Irrigation System
Lessons
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.
![La Grande-1 dam in Quebec](/sites/default/files/styles/resource_card_image_360x300_/public/2019-10/La-Grande-1_dam_Quebec.jpg?itok=EqccgtRE)
Design & Build a Dam
Lessons
Students will work collaboratively to design and build a dam that holds back a given volume of water for a certain time.