Engineering Challenges Kids Can Do at Home

By Robin Maitland · October 7, 2026

Engineering Is Problem-Solving Made Fun

Engineering challenges teach kids to design, build, test, and improve—the core engineering cycle. All these projects use materials from your recycling bin and kitchen drawer.

Structural Challenges

Paper Bridge

Build a bridge using only paper and tape that spans 12 inches and holds as many coins as possible. Kids learn about load distribution and structural integrity through trial and error.

Spaghetti Tower

Build the tallest freestanding tower using only dry spaghetti and marshmallows. The challenge: it must stand for 30 seconds without support. Teaches about compression, tension, and base stability.

Egg Drop Challenge

Design a container that protects a raw egg dropped from 6 feet. Use only straws, tape, and cardboard. Classic physics lesson on force absorption.

Mechanical Challenges

Catapult Contest

Build a catapult from popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and a plastic spoon. Measure how far different projectiles travel. Vary the rubber band tension for different power levels.

Marble Run

Create a marble track using cardboard tubes, tape, and cardboard. The goal: marble must travel for at least 10 seconds from start to finish. Teaches gravity, friction, and momentum.