The Things category involves drafting, rendering, making, building, or forming designs or items utilizing STEAM concepts. This category provides a venue for everything from 3-D printing to architectural design, from woodwork to welding. It can also involve digital design including software that performs tasks and robotics. 

As the name implies, this category is for those who make things. These ‘things’ can be of any style or type, as long as there are some engineering principles involved in the making. Projects in this category may not fit inside the typical Science Fair model. STEM concepts can be involved in all types of making, from sand sculpture to welding, from textiles to 3D printing, etc. 

As long as the thing is designed with a plan there’s engineering involved. Part of the process of making something is designing it. This is such a critical component that the designs in and of themselves are acceptable as entries in the category, even if the thing is never actually physically made. Most commonly these ‘things’ will be original creations. But they can also be reproductions of existing items, as long as original work is done as part of the design process. Things can be made by any means, of any material. Keep in mind that “how” you make it is important. The process of what is involved in the creation of the ‘thing’ is critical. Documentation of the process of making the thing is a key component of this category. This documentation may consist of such things as design sketches, photos of build stages, a process description, bills of material, drawing revisions, etc. 

Resources

Instructables - A community-driven website with thousands of DIY projects and step-by-step instructions for various building and making endeavors.  

Exploratorium Science Snacks - Resources from the Exploratorium in San Francisco that provides low-cost, teacher-tested activities for the curious.

Exploratorium Tinker Studio - The Tinkering Studio is primarily an R&D laboratory on the floor of the Exploratorium, but whenever possible we try to share our projects, activities, and developing ideas following an “open source” model. Learn how you too can enjoy our activities in your kitchen, garage, classroom, and community.

Tinkercad - A free web app for designing and creating 3D models, ideal for kids interested in 3D printing and digital design. 

Science Buddies Engineering Projects - Guided projects in several areas of engineering for all levels of students.

Scratch - Scratch is the world’s largest coding community for children and a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.

Examples