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Learners use engineering design principles to construct and test a fully solar-powered car. Solar car kits usually include a photovoltaic cell and motor; some include a chassis as well.

Working in teams of four, learners build tetrahedral kites following specific instructions and using specific materials.

In this design-based activity, learners explore environments, ecosystems, energy flow and organism interactions by creating a model biodome. Learners become engineers who create model ecosystems.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers have improved roofing designs and materials in order to protect the contents of buildings.

In this activity, learners explore the concept of valve operation and how engineers have adapted valves for use in mechanical heart valve design.

In this activity, learners explore how engineers design devices that can detect the presence of pollutants in the air.

In this activity, learners explore how anemometers work to record wind speeds and how the equipment has undergone engineering adaptations over time.

Learners construct one or more of the following kinds of sundials: a shadow plot, a horizontal sundial, and a diptych sundial.

In this engineering activity, learners examine bicycle mechanics and gear ratios. Learners determine which gears will help them bike a set course in the shortest amount of time.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Hovercraft) is a full inquiry investigation into hovercraft engineering and design optimization.

In this activity, learners explore rocketry and the principals of space flight.

In this activity, learners use simple, everyday materials to experiment with balls and ramps.

In this activity, learners will explore engineering to construct an insect collecting tool (insect aspirator). The pooter uses suction to safely collect smaller insects that nets miss or may injure.

In this activity, learners are challenged to build a bird feeder using recycled materials from home and are encouraged to problem solve during the extensions.

Learners build particulate matter collectors--devices that collect samples of visible particulates present in polluted air.

In this design-based lesson, learners study flood dynamics as they modify a riverbed with blockages or levees to simulate real-world scenarios.

In this engineering design challenge, learners make a bird and then control its flight with attached strings.

In this activity, learners use the design thinking process to design and build their own aqueduct, or water bridge.

In this engineering/design activity, learners make a kite, fly it, and then work to improve the design. Learners explore how their kite design variations affect flight.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Lift Off) is a full inquiry investigation into the engineering challenges of sending scientific sensors into space.