If you like creating things, solving problems, fixing what's broken, and finding better ways to do things, create an invention. This is an engineering design project.

Engineering is the application of science, math and technology to both create something new and solve a real-world problem. For the invention & engineering project, you will need to identify a "problem" and engineer a functional solution.

The work you are doing for this project is exactly like the engineering design challenges we do in the Innovation Lab: identify a need, research what already exists, plan a design, test your prototype, and make improvements.

For this project, you might choose one of two paths:

1. An Original Invention: Create a brand-new tool or device to solve a problem you've identified.

2. An Innovation: Take an existing product or tool and make a major improvement to how it works.

THE CHALLENGE REQUIREMENTS

After identifying a specific problem, you will create either a working prototype or finished build. 

1. Working Prototype (Recommended): A working model built out of simple, low-cost, or recycled materials (such as cardboard, tape, plastic bottles, straws, or string). It does not need to look like a manufactured store product—it just needs to show how your idea works!

2. Finished Build: An invention constructed out of actual materials (such as wood, PVC, metal, or 3D-printed plastic), provided it was built safely at home.

Important Note: Engineering is about function, not cost! You will be evaluated on your idea, your design process, and how well your project works—not how fancy or expensive the materials are. A clever cardboard prototype that works will score just as high as a build made from wood or metal.

Please ensure that your project can fit on a desk top, approximately 2 ft x 3 ft.