Contraptions

Building engineering contraptions involves designing and constructing devices that solve problems or perform specific tasks using basic engineering principles. These contraptions can be simple or complex and often combine elements of physics, mechanics, and creativity—such as levers, pulleys, gears, ramps, and structures. The focus is on understanding how forces, motion, balance, and materials work together, encouraging experimentation, testing, and iteration. Engineering contraptions don’t have to be high-tech; even cardboard, string, tape, and household items can become powerful tools for learning how things work.

Friends and families can learn about engineering together through collaborative, hands-on challenges that make problem-solving fun. Activities like building marble runs, bridges from craft sticks, Rube Goldberg–style machines, or simple catapults encourage teamwork and creative thinking. Group challenges—such as designing a device to move an object without touching it or building the tallest structure with limited materials—spark discussion and innovation. These shared projects help develop critical thinking, resilience, and communication skills while showing that engineering is about creativity, persistence, and learning through trial and error.