100 Engineering Projects for Kids

Actually we have assembled over 105 engineering projects for kids and are adding more as we complete or find more resources.

Why list so many engineering projects for kids?

Recent information from the Department of Labor Statistics forecasts that the largest job and demand growth will be in the technology fields between now and 2030.

Did you know the interest in engineering and STEM decreases for girls as they move into the upper grade levels in school?

A study conducted by Microsoft in partnership with KRC Research, related to engineering activities and STEM education, indicated that even with increased exposure for females to STEM education, interest in engineering and STEM related jobs did not increase as expected.

The reasons why the interest in STEM dropped off as girls got older:

Lack of role models
Peer pressure (Perhaps it wasn’t “cool” to be interested in STEM?)
Support from parents
Support from teachers

One solution even the study students pointed to was providing more hands-on engineering activities and STEM projects!

Below we have 105 engineering projects for kids. Whether you need a group or individual project, there is a variety of engineering projects listed below from which to choose.

Listed first are a few STEM and engineering activities specifically for preschoolers. We encourage you to involve your preschoolers with activities that may seem above grade level, as they will still learn by watching or participating in a small way, i.e. handing an older sibling supplies as needed, letting them take photos of the project along the way, or having them work on their own version of the project.

First, Download the STEM Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers – It’s FREE

The sponsor for our guide is The STEMKids. TheSTEMKids is about empowering young learners to blossom into curious and adventurous learners. Our science toys for kids is a product line that is specifically engineered to maximize hands-on learning, the best type of learning there is!

As you get started browsing, check out the STEM Resource Guide we have put together for parents and teachers that includes STEM activities, links to no-cost or low-cost coding, math, engineering, an robotics resources. (Yes, it’s FREE!) You’ll find everything from preschool worksheets to high school apprenticeship information. Plus, there are articles to help you get your kids interested in STEM activities or ready for a career in STEM. Our contributors include The STEMKids, a mechanical engineer, and a biologist. Download your FREE copy today!

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Preschool STEM & Engineering Projects for Kids

Straw Structures – So easy with only two items needed–Play dough and straws!

Walking Water

Fireworks in a Jar

Aeornautics for PreK from NASA – this is a PDF with lots of lesson ideas

Bridge Building Challenges

STEM & Engineering Projects for Students

Make a model of the snare design end-effector on the Space Station Canadaarm2 – using a few household materials.

Built a model of an end-effector. This is like the end-effector on the ISS Canadaarm2. STEM activity for elementary grades.

Paper Building Blocks

Build A Truss Bridge

Build a Plow (snow or dirt!)

What’s Causing Seas Levels to Rise? From NASA, grades 2-8

Build With Straws and Paper Towel Rolls

The Air Up There. Making Space Breathable. This is for grades 10-12, from the Jet Propulsion Lab

Building With Paper Engineering Challenge

Homemade Cardboard Construction Kit

Gumdrop Engineering Challenge

K’nex Building Set

Keva Structures Set

STEAM Kids

Using Light to Study Planets. This is for grades 6-12

Tinkertoys

Brackitz

Snap Circuits

Magnetics Building Set

Siege Engines For Kids

Build an Airboat – from the Cornell Center for Materials Research. This is a Google doc that opens. This is a great family or class group activity!

Build An Aircraft Engineering Challenge

Simple Machines For Kids: The Pulley

K’nex Intro To Simple Machines: Gears

K’nex Intro To Simple Machines: Levers and Pulleys

Simple Pneumatic Machine

Make A Moveable Pully

K’nex Education Exploring Machines

Keva Contraptions