About the store
Click follow for engineering and design units, lesson plans, activities, and more.
I started Engineering Design Lab with a simple goal: to make engineering and design thinking accessible for every science classroom. As both a designer and an educator with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the Engineering Design Process can be in helping students think creatively, solve problems, and build real-world skills.
Before launching my store, I developed resources for organizations like Pearson Education and Austin Community College, but I noticed a gap—teachers needed low-prep, user-friendly materials that truly bridge science and engineering. That’s where my background in UX design and media creation comes in. I create resources that are not only aligned with standards but also easy for teachers to use and engaging for students.
I believe every student deserves the chance to see themselves as a problem solver, innovator, and designer. My resources are built to empower teachers to bring that experience into their classrooms—no extra training required.
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STEAM Year-long, Holiday Bundle | STEM Inquiry Based Learning Project Bundle
This is a growing bundle for all of my Engineering challenge activities that are seasonal OR celebrate fun holidays! In this bundle, find holidays like Christmas, and Halloween, and for the teacher that loves to stay secular, I have fun holidays like Pi Day, Star Wars May the 4th day, and Earth Day! These are designed for classrooms from grades 3-5. Some of these take one class period, others are longer projects that can take up to a week.
3rd - 5th
Engineering, Other (Science)
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
, 3-5-ETS1-1
, 3-5-ETS1-2
Engineering Lessons | Full Unit | Build a Bridge | Middle School
Engage your middle school students in a 5-day NGSS-aligned engineering unit where they investigate why triangles make structures stronger and apply their learning to design, test, and evaluate model bridges. What’s Included Day 1 Concept Slides (Forces, geometry, criteria & constraints) Day 2 Shape Stability Lab (Triangle vs. rectangle prong models) Day 3 Bridge Load Testing Lab (Rectangle vs. triangle bridges) Day 4 Engineering Design Build with clearly defined criteria & constraints Day 5 Sta
6th - 8th
Engineering
NGSS, TEKS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-1
, MS-ETS1-3
+13
Satellites, Gravity and Orbit Unit | Middle school | Earth and Space Science
Help your students truly understand earth and space science with this 5 lesson NGSS middle school science unit focused on gravity, motion, and satellite orbits. This resource guides students through data analysis, hands-on investigation, and engineering modeling to explain why satellites stay in orbit around Earth. Focusing on MS-ESS1 Earth & Space Science standards.Grades 6–8: 50-minute class periods and is ideal for teachers looking for low-prep, high-engagement NGSS lessons. What’s Inc
6th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-ESS1-2
, MS-ESS1-3
, MS-ESS1-1
Solar System Modeling Unit | Middle School 6, 7, 8 | Earth and Space Science
A hands-on middle school solar system unit where students explore scale and distance in space, use data and simulations, and engineer a walk-through solar system model aligned to NGSS.In this 1-week space unit, students explore how scientists use models and scale to understand systems that are too large to experience directly. Through data analysis, simulations, hands-on modeling, and an engineering-based Solar System Space Walk, students investigate patterns in the Earth–Sun–Moon system and
6th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, Engineering
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ESS1-3
, MS-ETS1-1
+1
Ecosystems NGSS Unit | Energy, Stability & Human Impact | Middle School
This engaging, low-prep middle school ecosystems unit guides students through data analysis, system failure case studies, hands-on modeling, and a real-world restoration proposal — all aligned to NGSS and designed for deep thinking, not busywork. Help students explain why ecosystems stay balanced — and what happens when they don’t.✨ What Students Will Do ✔️ Analyze real ecosystem data ✔️ Investigate why ecosystems fail (case study stations) ✔️ Design & test a model ecosystem with enginee
6th - 8th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Environment
NGSS
MS-LS2-3
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-LS2-4
+2
Earth's place in the Universe Middle School Units | Earth and Space Science NGSS
Together, these units help students understand how scientists model space systems, analyze real data, and apply engineering design to represent systems that are too large to experience directly. 🧠 What Students Learn Students will: Use models and simulations to explain patterns in space Analyze data to determine scale properties of the solar system Understand how gravity and motion create orbits Engineer solutions using criteria and constraints Apply ratios, proportions, and scale reas
6th - 8th
Astronomy, Earth Sciences, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ESS1-2
+3
BUNDLE: Environmental Engineering Projects | Inquiry Learning | PBL
🌿10 real-world environmental engineering projects that empower students to design sustainable solutions for our planet!Challenge students to solve real environmental problems with 10 Earth and Human Activity Engineering Projects aligned to MS-ESS3 and MS-ETS1. Students investigate how human choices affect Earth’s systems and design sustainable solutions for the future. Projects include designing a Flood Prevention Barrier that protects communities from heavy rainfall and building a Solar-Pow
6th - 8th
Engineering, Environment, Marine Science
NGSS
HS-ESS3-3
, HS-ESS3-2
, HS-ESS3-1
+3
Engineering Warm-ups Bundle | STEM Warm ups | Real World Design Prompts 6-9
Bring real-world problem-solving into your classroom with this All-Inclusive Bundle! 90+ Engineering Bell Ringers! Designed for grades 5-8, these daily warm-ups engage students in applying design thinking to authentic science-based challenges—without needing extra materials. Each bell ringer prompt asks students to: ✅ Tackle a real-world science or engineering problem ✅ Complete design-thinking tasks like analyzing products, designing tests, creating specs, or planning research ✅ Practice cr
5th - 8th
Engineering
NGSS, TEKS, VA SOL
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+21
Design Thinking Notebook | Introduction to Engineering Interactive notebooks
Introduce your students to the EDC in an interactive and comprehensive way! This print-and-go interactive notebook is perfect for 5th - 7th grade STEM, science, engineering, or design-thinking. Aligned with NGSS and designed for middle school engagement, this resource helps students connect real-world problem solving with hands-on learning—while building academic vocabulary and critical thinking. ✨ What’s Included: ✅ Engineering Design Cycle Overview Wheel✂️ Cut-and-Paste Sequencing Activitie
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering
NGSS, VA SOL
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
+8
Evolution Enrichment Activities | Bellringers, Notes and Slides, Research, Proj.
Engage your students in real-world science and engineering with this growing unit bundle. Help your students make engineering connections in science concepts with these slides + notes, warm up slides, projects and internet activities. Currently Includes: Evolution + engineering warm up slides Evolution input slides and matching student notes Evolution Internet Worksheet Activities Engineering + evolution projects- 10 project sheets and rubric In The Works: Slides + guided notes Desk work pa
6th - 8th
Earth Sciences, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-LS4-3
, MS-LS4-1
+7
Engineering Design Unit | Design Your Own Chess Pieces | TinkerCAD | Makerspace
🧩 A ready-to-use IB MYP Design project where students research, model, and refine their own chess piece using 3D design, TinkerCAD, and the engineering design cycle!Transform your classroom into a design studio and strategy lab with this 10-lesson interactive chess unit! Whether you're teaching STEAM, design thinking, or looking for a unique cross-curricular project, this unit empowers students to learn the game of chess while applying the Engineering Design Process to create their own cust
5th - 9th
Engineering, General Science
NGSS, TEKS, VA SOL
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-1
+18
STEM Warm up slides | 31 New years themed Real-world Design thinking prompts
Start the new year with bell ringers that feel like a fresh start, not busywork. January New Year–Themed Engineering Bell Ringers gives you 31 ready-to-use prompts that combine creativity, STEM thinking, and reflective goal-setting in a way students actually buy into. Each bell ringer is designed for 10–15 minutes, works as a project warm-up or standalone mini design task, and comes as teacher-friendly slides with optional matching printable worksheets. Students read one complete prompt (w
6th - 10th
Creative Writing, Engineering
Mars Colony Design: MYP Math & Design Unit | Probability, Statistics, Data sci
Engage your middle school students with this interdisciplinary MYP Unit where math and design come alive through a hands-on space colony simulation! Perfect for MYP Year 3, this unit integrates statistics, probability, compound interest, population growth, area, volume, ratios, and data analysis with real-world design thinking challenges. Students will plan, model, and manage a futuristic space colony, making strategic decisions while analyzing outcomes using mathematical reasoning and da
6th - 9th
Engineering, Graphing, Statistics
CCSS
6.SP.A.1
, 6.SP.A.2
, 6.SP.A.3
+25
Build a Tower with Straws STEM Challenge | Engineering Design Process Worksheets
Engineering Design Challenge | Low-Prep STEM ActivityThis resource is a structured engineering design challenge that guides students through the Engineering Design Process (EDP) while solving a real-world problem. Students will plan, build, test, and improve a design using clear criteria, measurable constraints, and data collection. What’s Included Student worksheet with the full design challenge Defined criteria and constraints Data table for multiple test variables Structured reflection
6th - 8th
Engineering, Other (Science)
NGSS, TEKS
MS-ETS1-4
, MS-ETS1-3
, SCIENCE.6.1.B
+17
Force and Motion Projects | Middle School | Inquiry Based Learning
Put Newton’s Laws into action with 10 Forces and Stability Engineering Projects aligned to MS-PS2 and MS-ETS1. Students test how motion, gravity, and structure affect design through real-world engineering builds.Projects include building a Crash-Test Vehicle that protects a passenger (an egg or figure) on impact and creating a Bridge Challenge that supports as much weight as possible using limited materials. Students also explore magnetic levitation, parachute design, and tower stability
6th - 8th
Earth Sciences, Engineering, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-PS2-4
, MS-ETS1-4
+6
Design Your Own Experiment | Inquiry Learning | Molecules to Organisms Projects
Explore cells, organs, and systems with 10 Molecules to Organisms Engineering Projects aligned to MS-LS1 and MS-ETS1. Students discover how biological structures and processes connect through creative modeling and design. Projects include building a Cell City Model that represents organelles as a working community and designing a Digestive System Machine that simulates nutrient movement and absorption. Students also explore plant transport systems, respiration models, and microbe structure
6th - 8th
Biology, Earth Sciences, Engineering
NGSS
MS-LS1-5
, MS-LS1-7
, MS-LS1-2
+5
Take-Home STEM Activities: 10 Home Family Science Challenges
Make STEM learning come alive at home! This Family STEM includes 10 easy, low-prep science and engineering activities that families can complete using simple materials found around the house. Perfect for family engagement, homework extensions, or take-home STEM nights, these activities inspire curiosity, creativity, and teamwork — no special supplies required! Each printable worksheet includes: ✅ A fun STEM Challenge (like Balloon Rockets or Dancing Raisins!) ✅ A short, easy-to-follow dire
2nd - 5th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
3-5-ETS1-3
Halloween Engineering Activity Bundle | 5 Spooky Activities | STEM, Science
Bring the spooky season to life with this Halloween STEM Challenge Bundle! Packed with 5 engaging, hands-on activities, this resource is perfect for middle school and upper elementary students. Each challenge encourages problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration while reinforcing NGSS-aligned engineering and science skills. Inside you’ll find: 5 Halloween-themed STEM challenges Low-prep, classroom-ready materials Teacher tips, student recording sheets, and extension ideas Activities tha
5th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, 3-5-ETS1-3
, MS-ETS1-4
+4
Engineering Bell Ringers | 25 Real-World STEM Design Prompts | Middle School War
Bring real-world problem-solving into your classroom with these 25 Science & Engineering Bell Ringers! Designed for grades 5-8, these daily warm-ups engage students in applying design thinking to authentic science-based challenges—without needing extra materials. Each bell ringer prompt asks students to: ✅ Tackle a real-world science or engineering problem ✅ Complete design-thinking tasks like analyzing products, designing tests, creating specs, or planning research ✅ Practice critical thi
6th - 9th
Basic Principles, Engineering, General Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-2
, HS-ETS1-3
+3
Structures and Properties of Matter Unit | Matter Unit Project | Matter Models
✨ This complete Matter Unit Bundle includes, content slides and guided notes, Independent work practice, and 12 Projects to choose from with an easy grading rubric. Save time and bring NGSS science to life with this all-in-one Matter & Its Interactions bundle — perfect for middle school science classrooms. This comprehensive resource includes everything you need to teach, engage, and assess student learning around NGSS MS-PS1 standards. From teacher slide decks and interactive guided notes to
6th - 8th
Basic Principles, Engineering, Physical Science
NGSS
MS-ETS1-2
, MS-ETS1-4
, MS-PS1-4
+7
Showing 1-20 of 207 results
About the store
Experience
Click follow for engineering and design units, lesson plans, activities, and more.
I started Engineering Design Lab with a simple goal: to make engineering and design thinking accessible for every science classroom. As both a designer and an educator with over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the Engineering Design Process can be in helping students think creatively, solve problems, and build real-world skills.
Before launching my store, I developed resources for organizations like Pearson Education and Austin Community College, but I noticed a gap—teachers needed low-prep, user-friendly materials that truly bridge science and engineering. That’s where my background in UX design and media creation comes in. I create resources that are not only aligned with standards but also easy for teachers to use and engaging for students.
I believe every student deserves the chance to see themselves as a problem solver, innovator, and designer. My resources are built to empower teachers to bring that experience into their classrooms—no extra training required.
Teaching style
I design lessons that make classrooms come alive with curiosity, creativity, and student ownership. Creating learning experiences where students feel genuine buy-in is no small task—but it's at the heart of my work. I strive to build joyful, inquiry-driven lessons that foster cross-curricular connections and empower students to take charge of their learning.
My teaching approach is grounded in research-based practices, including Project-Based Learning and inquiry learning, which support accessibility for all students. I incorporate tools like rubrics and structured internet research to help learners reflect, grow, and extend their thinking beyond the classroom. I believe in cultivating meaningful relationships and creating proactive, inclusive environments where every student can thrive.
My own education history
I began my academic journey in public school, where I took AP courses and dual credit classes through my local community college. A strong drive for learning and achievement led me to Vassar College, a top liberal arts institution, where I earned my degree in Computer Science with a focus on User Experience Research.
During my time at Vassar, I worked in two research-focused Learning Labs and co-authored two published papers—experiences that deepened my passion for both scientific inquiry and thoughtful design. This background continues to fuel my work as an educator and creator of accessible, engaging STEAM resources.
I earned my teaching credentials through an alternative certification program at Austin Community College and have continued my professional growth through ongoing study, books, and professional development in education and instructional design.
Additional biographical information
I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and family, where creativity and community are central to my life—both inside and outside the classroom. When I’m not designing educational resources or diving into new teaching strategies, you’ll often find me creating art, sculpting, or social dancing on the weekends.
I'm a lifelong learner at heart, always reading—especially romance novels and books about how we learn best. I bring that same curiosity and joy for discovery into everything I do, from teaching to resource creation, with the goal of helping students and teachers connect more deeply with learning.
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