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15 engineering challenges kids love {STEAM}

November 10, 2020 by Katie Leave a Comment

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For nearly a year and a half now I have been teaching STEAM classes for homeschoolers. (STEAM is an acronym for Science / Technology / Engineering / Art / Math.)

One of the classes I taught late last year was focused on engineering challenges. The kids had so much fun working in groups and working individually to design and build a number of structures and projects.

I decided it would be fun to compile a list of awesome engineering challenges that are sure to stimulate kids’ creativity and critical thinking skills.

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

The wonderful building challenges below utilize a wide range of materials and encourage children to design, build, and adjust plans to create some very cool structures, towers, boats, and more.

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

Build a hex bug maze from Buggy and Buddy

Build gumdrop structures from Little Bins for Little Hands

Build a tower out of straws and tape from Lemon Lime Adventures

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

Build a marble run using cardboard rolls and tape from Tinkerlab

Build a raft that floats on water from Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Build a structure using cups, craft sticks, and blocks from Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

Build a LEGO boat that can hold pennies from Kids’ STEAM Lab

Build a race car using K’nex from Playdough to Plato

Build a road using an egg carton and paint brushes from Preschool Powol Packets

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

Build a structure from paper blocks from Babble Dabble and Do

Build a Rube Goldberg machine from Brain Power Boy

Build a turbo charged LEGO car from Geek Pack Hack

15 awesome engineering challenges for kids using a variety of materials (most of which you probably have at home already!) || Gift of Curiosity

Build a bridge using straws from Relentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational

Build a candy tower from Science Sparks

Build a structure using cardboard from Happy Hooligans

STEAM Kids book

Looking for more hands-on activities that incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Then you’ll love STEAM Kids! This book features 52 hands-on activities are helpfully identified by category (science / technology / engineering / art / math) so you know exactly what skills your kids are developing.

Grab a copy of the e-book delivered as a PDF download (or this e-book for EU residents) and in print at Amazon.

More resources for STEAM learning

Most STEAM posts from Gift of Curiosity:

  • Egg drop challenge
  • Chromatography flowers
  • Building with blocks and tape
  • Dancing raisins
  • What do ants like to eat?
  • Make your own telescope
  • The great baking soda and vinegar experiment

Looking for even more STEAM ideas for your classroom? Check out these printable resources:

  • Straw STEM Challenges
  • Paper STEM Challenges
  • Toothpick STEM Challenges
  • Famous landmarks STEM Challenges

Find more awesome building challenges on my Engineering Challenges Pinterest board. 

Don't miss out!

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