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Engineering
Engineering is all about problem-solving. Our lessons and activities challenge learners to brainstorm creative, bold and empathetic solutions to real-world problems.
Lessons marked with an orange gear icon address engineering within the Next Generation Science Standards.
Next Generation Science Standards Engineering Progression Summarized
Grades K-12
Chart of the grade-level standards that engineering design challenges meet.
Engineering Education Principles
Key principles for teaching engineering through design challenge learning in any setting.
Challenge Cards
Grades K-12
Use these cards to introduce iteration and redesign to any design challenge.
Activity: 20-30 min
Career Aspirations: MicroByre
Grades K-12
Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: What would you like to be when you grow up?
Iteration: Strawcture Eco
Grades K-12
Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Think of a time that you had an idea that didn't work the first time. How did you make it better?
Perseverance: Blue Ocean Barns
Grades K-12
Use this video and prompt to spark engagement: Have you ever had to try multiple times to get something right?
Solve the Fall
Grades K-12
During this engineering-based lesson, learners design and build a device that can survive a drop in order to deliver emergency supplies. 
Lesson: 50 minutes
Engineering for Earthquakes
Grades 3-5
In this design challenge, you’ll engineer a structure and see if it can survive an earthquake you create!
Lesson: 60 minutes
DIY Shake Table: 5-30 minutes
Earthquake-Safe Structure: 45+ minutes
Engineering Journals
Grades 3-8
Practice writing and documentation skills, whether in-person or virtual, with this journaling lesson.
Lesson: 60 minutes
Paper Engineering
Grades 3-8
Students practice defining a problem and developing their own criteria as they recreate an object from paper and test it in this simple design challenge.
Lesson: 60 minutes
Brainstorming Ideas
Grades 4-12
Teams brainstorm and conceptualize a device that expands.
Lesson: 60 minutes
On Your Mark, Get Set, Roll
Grades 4-12
Students will explore how to create triggers by building a device that releases a ball when activated. Their design will need to include a trigger that can be activated from three or more feet away from the device.
Lesson: 60 min
New!
Shipwreck Shelters
Grades 4-12
Work in teams to build structures that can withstand a natural hazard. Visit three “islands” (stations) and build a structure with only two or three materials.
Lesson: 60 minutes
Be sure to check out our full list of resources!
Lessons marked with an orange gear icon address engineering within the Next Generation Science Standards.
Tech for Tomorrow Virtual Field Trip
Grades K-12
This career-focused virtual field trip takes your students on a road trip through Silicon Valley to meet some of the region’s smartest and most innovative tech experts. Viewers get a sneak peek inside some real-life medical labs, workshops and makerspaces and hear advice about how they can follow their passions to work in tech, too!
Along the way, they’ll get to experience some of our favorite exhibits and make the connection between what we do here and the exciting work of tech engineers and entrepreneurs.
Video: 30 min
Pre and Post activities: 90 min