Elementary Programs Physics Project-based Learning Resources
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Egg Drop STEM Activity End of Year STEM Challenge Force and Motion Engineering
Are you looking for an end of year STEM challenge that's always a crowd pleaser? This classic STEM challenge appeals to kids of all ages, and is an excellent way to explore force and motion, drag, and iterative design and testing. Will the eggs break or survive the drop in a device created by your students? If you have thought about trying a STEM challenge but weren't sure where to start, this is a great challenge to start with. ✏️ What materials will I need? ✏️ Use a variety of easy-to-find
3rd - 8th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
Rocket WebQuest: Interactive Research Adventure into the Science of Rockets
Launch your students into the world of rockets, space exploration, and aerospace engineering with this Rocket WebQuest. This is a fun and engaging digital research activity that’s perfect for upper elementary, middle school, or early high school STEM classes. Students will explore trusted online resources to answer guided questions tied to real-world rocket science and space history. What’s Included: Ready-to-use Rocket WebQuest Worksheet (editable Google Doc) Guided research questions coverin
4th - 12th, Higher Education
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physics
STEM Engineering Mini Challenge Bundle – 14 Quick Activities | Grades K–8
Transform your classroom into a hands-on engineering lab with this STEM & STEAM Engineering Challenge Mega Bundle featuring 14 highly engaging, classroom-tested design challenges! This bundle is packed with low-prep, high-impact projects that build critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills using the Engineering Design Process. Perfect for STEM Labs, Science Classrooms, Makerspaces, PBL Units, After-School Programs, Sub Plans, and Summer STEM Camps,
K - 8th
Engineering, For All Subjects, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-PS2-2
, 3-5-ETS1-1
+1
Roller Coaster STEM Project | Potential & Kinetic Energy Unit | Grades 4-8
A complete 15-day roller coaster STEM project unit for Grades 4–8. Students design, build, test, and showcase their own coaster while mastering potential and kinetic energy, force and motion, and the engineering design process. 203 pages, fully scripted and standards-aligned. The Physics of Thrill begins with a question: what happens when you hand a class fifteen days, a pile of foam track, and a fistful of marbles? Students who beg to rebuild a failed track — because they finally understand th
4th - 8th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
CCSS, NGSS
6.SP.B.5
, 6.SP.B.5b
, 6.SP.B.5d
+11
STEM Engineering Challenge Bundle – 6 Hands-On Projects | Grades K–8
Ultimate STEM Challenge Bundle – 6 Hands-On Engineering Projects (Grades K–8)Bring high-engagement, real-world engineering into your classroom with this 6-Project STEM Challenge Bundle! This collection includes six classroom-tested, student-approved engineering design challenges that build creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, 21st-century skills, and a love for STEM. Perfect for STEM Labs, Science Classrooms, Makerspaces, PBL Units, After-School Programs, and Summer Camps! Individually,
K - 8th
Engineering, For All Subjects, Physics
CCSS, NGSS
5.NBT.B.7
, W.3.1
, W.5.1b
+10
PBL - Engineering in Orbit - Complete PBL Unit - Biblical Integration
Engage your students in an authentic, high-impact Project-Based Learning (PBL) experience where they become microgravity researchers and space engineers, designing solutions for life aboard the International Space Station. In this unit, students explore gravity, forces, motion, and Earth–space systems while applying scientific concepts to real-world engineering challenges. Through both individual and team projects, students design meaningful solutions that improve astronaut safety, efficiency,
5th - 8th
Engineering, Physical Science, Physics
NGSS
MS-ESS2-3
, MS-ESS2-2
, MS-ESS1-2
+4
St. Patrick's Day STEM Activities Leprechaun Trap Stop Motion Unplugged Coding
STEM and STEAM activities for St. Patrick''s Day all in one place! Explore hands-on STEM activities with the engineering design process, digital STEAM activities like stop motion animation and digital brick builds, and unplugged coding and binary activities. If you teach STEM to multiple grades and are looking for plenty of options to try with students, these are the challenges for you. What You'll Get🍀 Hands-On STEM: Leprechaun Trap, Building Brick Challenges (LEGO) + STEM Challenges with Lar
2nd - 7th
Computer Science - Technology, Engineering, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Bridge Building STEM Unit – Load-to-Weight Efficiency | Grade 5 | 3-Week
In the Structural Optimization Lab Load-to-Weight Efficiency Bridge unit, students become structural engineers as they design and build a spaghetti-and-string bridge optimized for the highest possible load-to-weight efficiency ratio — not just the strongest bridge, but the strongest bridge relative to how much it weighs. Set inside the STEAM Lab Design Academy narrative, this 3-week flagship unit introduces Grade 5 students to the engineering metric that professional structural engineers actual
5th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 5-PS2-1
+1
Parachute Drop STEM Unit – Mr. B Engineering Games | Grade 4 | 3-Week
In the Drop Zone Parachute Delivery Challenge, students become aerospace delivery engineers as they design and build a parachute system capable of transporting a payload from a fixed drop height to a target landing zone. Set inside Mr. B Engineering Games, this 3-week flagship unit immerses Grade 4 students in the real science of drag, stability, and payload protection as they plan, build, test, and redesign through the full Engineering Design Process. What Students Will Do* Investigate how dra
4th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Egg Drop STEM Workbook Bundle – Engineering Journal | Grades 3–8 Editable
Need flexible, editable worksheets to support your Egg Drop engineering challenge? This bundle includes both upper elementary (3–5) and middle school (6–8) versions of the Student Engineering Workbook in fully editable format, allowing you to adapt language, expectations, and scaffolding to fit your classroom. Designed for teachers who want differentiation and customization without starting from scratch. What’s Included Grades 3–5 Editable Workbook Guided engineering planning pages Structured r
3rd - 8th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+1
Summer Camp at Home, Engineering Week, Summer Camp Activities, Camp At Home
🌟 SUMMER CAMP AT HOME – ENGINEERING WEEK 🌟 Bring the magic of summer camp right to your home with this fun-filled, hands-on Science Week packet designed for curious kids who love to explore, create, and discover! This low-prep printable pack is full of engaging activities, creative worksheets, and exciting experiments that make learning feel like play. Perfect for summer learning, homeschool, rainy days, camps, or family fun! 🧪 INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: • Tower Construction Challenge • Cardb
PreK - 7th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
Project Based Learning-Design a Mini-Golf Hole Challenge
Bring math and science to life with Mini-Golf Mayhem — an engaging, hands-on Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit where students design a mini-golf hole through creativity and innovation! By aligning this resource to your own geometry and science standards, students will go through the process of designing and building their very own creative mini-golf hole. Students will: Explore angles, measurement, force, and motion Apply real-world problem-solving and collaboration Innovate with creativity w
3rd - 8th
Geometry, Measurement, Physics
Earthquake Tower STEM Sprint – Structural Engineering | Grade 3
In the Earthquake-Resistant Signal Tower challenge, students become structural engineers designing a communication tower for a futuristic city built in an earthquake zone. Set inside the Future City Engineering narrative theme, this 3-week flagship unit immerses Grade 3 students in the real engineering challenge of balancing height and stability — planning a tower within material budget constraints, building and shake-testing it, using data to redesign, and presenting final results in a class a
3rd
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-PS2-1
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-PS2-3
+4
Egg Drop STEM Unit – Superhero Forces & Motion Engineering | Grade 2 | 3-Week
In the Egg Drop Engineering Challenge, students become aerospace protection engineers as they design and build a protective pod that can safely deliver a raw egg from height without cracking. Set inside the Superhero Engineering Lab, this 3-week flagship unit immerses Grade 2 students in the real science of forces, impact absorption, and protective engineering as they plan, build, test, and redesign through the full Engineering Design Process. What Students Will Do* Investigate how gravity and
2nd
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
K-2-ETS1-2
, K-2-ETS1-3
, K-2-ETS1-1
+4
CAD Design STEM Unit – Rover Wheel & Suspension Engineering | Grade 5 | 2-Week
In the Deep Space Systems CAD Wheel and Suspension Design Labs, students become NASA contractor engineers as they use Tinkercad CAD software to design precision rover wheel and suspension components — testing how wheel tread geometry and suspension linkage affect traction and load balance across three terrain zones. Set inside the Deep Space Systems Division narrative, this 2-week unit introduces Grade 5 students to the professional engineering tool that connects digital design to physical fabri
5th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Stomp Rocket STEM Unit – Launch Angle Optimization | Grade 5 | 2-Week
In the Deep Space Launch Investigation, students become deep space launch engineers as they conduct a controlled investigation into how launch angle affects flight distance — testing multiple angles with a paper stomp rocket, graphing the performance curve, identifying the optimal angle, and then investigating a second variable to extend their findings. Set inside the Deep Space Systems Division narrative, this 2-week unit teaches Grade 5 students how real aerospace engineers use controlled var
5th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 5-PS2-1
+1
Mars Rover STEM Unit – Integration Mission Engineering | Grade 5 | 2-Week
In the Mars Rover Integration Mission, students become Mars systems integration engineers as they assemble a complete rover incorporating their CAD-designed wheel and suspension components, conduct full terrain course testing with a payload cup, and optimize the system for maximum performance across all three terrain zones. Set inside the Deep Space Systems Division narrative, this 2-week unit is the culminating build of the Q2 rover arc. What Students Will Do* Assemble the complete rover chass
5th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 5-PS2-1
+1
Tower Optimization STEM Unit – Budget-Constrained Engineering | Grade 5 | 2-Week
In the Tower Optimization Lab, students become budget-constrained structural engineers as they build the tallest freestanding tower that can support a load at its apex while staying within a strict material budget — applying the efficiency ratio framework from the bridge unit to a new structural challenge. Set inside the STEAM Lab Design Academy narrative, this 2-week unit teaches Grade 5 students that engineers always work within resource constraints. What Students Will Do* Receive a material
5th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 5-PS2-1
+1
Water Rocket STEM Unit – Mars Launch Engineering | Grade 4 | 2-Week
In the Mars Launch Sequence Water Rocket unit, students become Mars expedition launch engineers as they design, build, and test a paper water rocket — investigating how fin configuration, nose cone shape, and launch angle affect flight distance and trajectory. Set inside the Mars Expedition Team narrative, this 2-week unit challenges Grade 4 students to collect controlled launch data, make one evidence-based redesign, and prepare their findings for a launch showcase. What Students Will Do* Buil
4th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Mars Rover STEM Unit – Surface Mission Engineering | Grade 4 | 2-Week
In the Mars Surface Rover Mission, students become Mars expedition rover engineers as they build a full rover incorporating the optimal wheel and suspension configuration from their lab data, then test it across the full three-zone Mars terrain course with a payload cup attached. Set inside the Mars Expedition Team narrative, this 2-week unit challenges Grade 4 students to integrate weeks of data into a single optimized build. What Students Will Do* Transfer the winning wheel and suspension con
4th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Mars Rover Traction STEM Unit – Wheel & Suspension | Grade 4 | 2-Week
In the Mars Terrain Wheel and Suspension Labs, students become Mars expedition mobility engineers as they systematically test wheel configurations and suspension designs across a three-zone terrain course modeled after Martian surface conditions. Set inside the Mars Expedition Team narrative, this 2-week unit challenges Grade 4 students to collect real traction and load data and use evidence to select the optimal configuration for their upcoming rover mission. What Students Will Do* Set up the
4th
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Water Filtration STEM Sprint – Environmental Engineering | Grade 3
In the Water Filtration Conservation Sprint, students become Wildlife Documentary environmental engineers as they design a layered filtration system that cleans visibly dirty water for their field crew and the animals they study. Set inside the Wildlife Documentary Crew narrative theme and connected to UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water), this 2-week unit challenges Grade 3 students to think strategically about filter layer order, test their design, observe output clarity, and make one evidence-based
3rd
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-PS2-1
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-PS2-3
+4
Rover Traction STEM Unit – Mars Mobility & Load Engineering | Grade 3
In the Ground Mobility Labs unit, students become Space Colony mobility engineers as they investigate how wheel size, surface texture, and axle load balance affect a rover's traction and movement across a lunar terrain ramp. Set inside the Space Colony Architects narrative theme, this 2-week unit challenges Grade 3 students to conduct controlled wheel configuration tests, collect distance and stability data, and use evidence to determine which design performs best before committing to a final r
3rd
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-PS2-1
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-PS2-3
+4
Stomp Rocket STEM Unit – Space Forces & Motion Redesign | Grade 3
In the Stomp Rocket Design & Evidence-Based Redesign unit, students become Space Colony aerospace engineers as they design and launch paper rockets to supply their lunar colony — using fin count as a controlled variable to investigate what makes a rocket fly farther. Set inside the Space Colony Architects narrative theme, this 2-week unit introduces controlled single-variable experimentation: students build two identical rockets with different fin counts, average their trial data, and use the r
3rd
Engineering, General Science, Physics
NGSS
3-PS2-1
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-PS2-3
+4
Showing 1-24 of 112 results
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