This post is part of the 31 days of STEM activities for kids series. Check out all the other activities in the series!
Engineering projects for kids help children think creatively, critically, and prepare them for higher concepts like algebra and geometry. Engineering projects can get complicated, but these six are all easy, simple, and fun for kids of all ages.
Try these fun engineering projects with multiple kids and see which designs are best for each project! And check out even more elementary STEM activity ideas here.
What is an Engineering Project?
An engineering project is a project that kids can do that test their design skills. Engineering projects are the ultimate STEM activity. In an engineering project, kids use science to identify a problem to correct and to find out what the best solution may be. They use technology to help determine the best design solution for a project. They use math to design and build their project. And often, you can also use artistic expression in an engineering project!
These engineering challenges are the perfect introduction to STEM as a holistic concept. Kids can use engineering challenges to develop and express the STEM skills they have already learned and complete hands-on applications of these skills.
Kids learn best when learning hands-on, and these engineering projects will do just that!
Where to Buy Engineering Supplies for Kids
Engineering projects often include either building elements, like blocks or LEGO, or technology elements, like circuits and electronics. Here are some of our favorite engineering supplies for kids:
cossy STEM Learning Toy Engineering Construction Building Blocks 208 Pieces Kids Educational Toy for Boys and Girls Ages 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Year Old (208 Pcs)Thames & Kosmos Structural Engineering: Bridges & Skyscrapers | Science & Engineering Kit | Build 20 Models | Learn About Force, Load, Compression, Tension | Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner
IQ BUILDER | STEM Learning Toys | Creative Construction Engineering | Fun Educational Building Blocks Toy Set for Boys and Girls Ages 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old + | Best Toy Gift for Kids | Activity Game
Engino Discovering STEM Structures Constructions & Bridges | 9 Working Models | Illustrated Instruction Manual | Theory & Facts | Experimental Activities | STEM Construction Kit
Smart Circuits
PANLOS Robot STEM Toy Engineering Building Blocks Building Bricks Toy kit – for Boys 6 Years Old or Older Tight Fit and Compatible with All Major Brands 570 PCS
STEM Starters for Kids Engineering Activity Book: Packed with Activities and Engineering Facts
MEIGO STEM Toys – Toddlers Educational Construction Engineering Building Blocks Set Best Learning Toy Gift Kit for Kids 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year Old Boys Girls (110pcs)
The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based Projects
6 Easy Engineering Projects for Kids
If you have a few minutes, try out these simple engineering projects for kids! These activities are specifically designed for a grade level between first and fourth grade, but even older or younger kids could get a lot of benefit out of these engineering projects.
If you need even more engineering activities, check out our complete list of engineering activities for kids and these creative Valentine engineering challenges!
Egg Drop Engineering Project
Kids will love this classic egg drop engineering project. Can you keep the egg from breaking? What materials are best for cushioning the fall?
Spaghetti Engineering Project
Learn about how the strength of an object sometimes requires fortification in this extremely simple engineering project using dried spaghetti noodles.
Q-Tip Bridge Engineering Project
Test the construction skills of your children with the q-tip bridge challenge! Use q-tips and hot glue to create structurally sound bridges and structures.
Mechanical Properties Engineering Project
Part of being a good engineering is knowing the mechanical properties of each material that you work with. Use this simple project to determine the mechanical properties of aluminum foil.
Paper Airplane Engineering Project
What kid doesn’t like paper airplanes? Use this easy engineering project to build a better paper airplane. What modifications will cause the plane to flip, glide far, or fly in a circle?
Egg Crate Airplane Engineering Project
Can you make an airplane from egg crates that will really glide? What causes the plane to be heavier or lighter? What would make it glide better? Does Styrofoam work better than cardboard?
What are your favorite engineering projects for kids? Tell us in the comments!
But wait, there is more! Find more science, technology, engineering, and math projects here!
