Middle school students are often young enough to be interested in bridges and how they work. Teachers can help students design and construct a miniature replica of a bridge. Students will experiment with different construction patterns, learning what works through trial and error. The building process teaches students about gravity, suspension and other engineering concepts that are central to construction.
Catapults might be outdated military technology, but they are a fun and interesting way to teach students about forces like suspension, momentum and the importance of calculating precise angles. Students can collaborate to build a small functional catapult that launches tennis balls across the classroom. This project highlights how fun engineering can be, as well as how much technology has progressed over centuries.
Go Karts are cheaply made, non-engine-powered vehicles. Normally made of wood and some wheels, they are easily constructed. School insurance policies likely bar teachers from allowing students to compete in Go Kart races, but teachers can still guide students through the process of constructing a Go Kart. Students must consider how to maximize velocity, yet minimize friction. These calculations are central to the practice of engineering.
In this project, each students designs his own house with simple materials like cardboard, markers and scissors. Building a house teaches students the rudiments of basic engineering, including the importance of balance and tension. The student can personalize her project by coloring it in and making smaller objects, like model, furniture to put inside the house.