Build the strongest possible bridge using only index cards, tape, and paperclips. Span a 20cm gap. Document how much weight it holds before failing. Use math to calculate weight-to-material ratio. Identify the science (forces, compression, tension). Design three versions, improving each time.
Design a water filter using sand, gravel, charcoal, and a plastic bottle. Document turbidity (cloudiness) of water before and after, measured against a white paper background. Calculate percent improvement. Identify the chemistry. Connect to documented water quality issues in an underserved community.
Build a solar oven from a pizza box, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap. Measure temperature inside vs. outside every 5 minutes for 30 minutes. Graph the data. Calculate heat gain. Connect to documented energy poverty — communities without reliable electricity use solar cooking. What problem does this solve?
Write a documented algorithm (flowchart or numbered steps) to solve a scientific problem — sorting rocks by hardness, calculating trajectory, or analyzing weather data. Code or physically execute the algorithm. Document where human judgment is required versus where the algorithm can decide alone.
Challenge selected: _______________ Date: _______________ Grade: _______________ Team size: _______________
Community problem this challenge connects to (be specific — not "pollution" but "lead pipes in Flint, Michigan water supply"):
S
What scientific principle or phenomenon is at the center of this challenge? State a testable question your design will answer:
What scientific constraint will limit your design? (gravity, material strength, heat transfer limit, etc.):
M
Measurements needed:
Calculations or formulas you will use:
Predicted outcome (with a number and unit): _______________________________________________
E
Draw your design with labels and measurements BEFORE building. Include materials list.
Materials list with quantities:
One design constraint you had to work around: _______________________________________________
| Version/Iteration | What Changed | Measured Result | What Failed or Worked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Version 1 | |||
| Version 2 | |||
| Version 3 |
T
What technology did you use to measure, calculate, or document? (ruler, thermometer, stopwatch, calculator, spreadsheet, code, sensor):
Where could a more precise or advanced technology improve this experiment?
Final measured result: _______________ Units: _______________
Predicted result (from Phase 2): _______________ Percent error: _______________
Best version achieved (describe with specific numbers): _______________________________________________
What science principle determined the outcome?
What math was essential?
What engineering decision had the biggest impact?
How did technology expand what you could observe or measure?
Name one documented engineer, scientist, or inventor — particularly from an underrepresented community — who solved a problem similar to the challenge you just attempted. What was their documented approach and what did their solution make possible?