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Grades 5–6 | Electricity & Circuits | Engineering Design Process

Overview:
Students act as engineers for a struggling greeting card company, designing light-up greeting cards using paper circuits to “save the company.” This lesson blends science, creativity, and design thinking while teaching circuit fundamentals.

Learning Highlights:

• Identify components of a circuit: power source, pathway, and load

• Build working series and parallel circuits

• Apply the Engineering Design Process to prototype and test

• Communicate ideas through design and reflection

Includes:

• Makey Makey human circuit warm-up

• Light-Up Name Badge mini project

• Paper circuit exploration (series vs. parallel)

• Light-Up Greeting Card Challenge

• Gallery Walk & Reflection prompts

Time Needed: ~3 hours
Format: Hands-on STEM challenge (camp or classroom adaptation)
Materials: LEDs, coin cell batteries, Maker/Copper tape, cardstock, markers, templates, Makey Makey, ZSpace

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Grades 5–6 | Block Coding | Engineering Design Process

Overview:
Students become creative coders in this engaging, real-world challenge! Using the BBC Micro:bit and Microsoft MakeCode, campers explore coding basics, then design a solution that helps people or the planet. The day ends with a Shark Tank Jr.–style pitch where students present their coded prototypes and reflect on their impact.

Learning Highlights:

• Develop block-based coding skills using Micro:bit and MakeCode

• Apply the Engineering Design Process (EDP) to real-world challenges

• Use sensors, inputs, and outputs to build interactive prototypes

• Strengthen collaboration and communication through a pitch presentation

Activities Include:

• Ultimate Rock-Paper-Scissors Icebreaker

• Micro:bit Mini Lessons (scrolling name badge, emotion display, night light, etc.)

• “Code Me If You Can” Mystery Display – reverse-engineering and code deduction

• Task Card Challenges – hands-on coding missions such as “Comfort Heart Companion,” “Stealthy Locker Alarm,” and “Climate Critter”

• Final Design Challenge – create and pitch a coded innovation for a real-world cause

Time Needed: ~3 hours
Format: Hands-on, station-based STEM coding challenge
Materials: Micro:bits, battery packs, laptops, Engineering Notebooks, task cards, and optional craft materials for prototyping

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Grades 5–6 | 3-D Design| Engineering Design Process

Overview:
Students step into the role of robotic product designers at the ScooterBot Innovation Lab! After exploring how real-world robots solve problems across industries, students design and model a custom 3D-printed upgrade that makes their ScooterBot more helpful, creative, or high-tech. This challenge combines engineering, design thinking, and 3D modeling to strengthen creativity and applied STEM skills.

Learning Highlights:

• Analyze real-world robotics systems and their problem-solving roles

• Apply the Engineering Design Process to plan, prototype, and test solutions

• Use Tinkercad to model a 3D-printed accessory for the ScooterBot

• Evaluate design functionality through testing and iteration

Activities Include:

• ScooterBot Inspiration Gallery Walk — exploring real robot examples

• ScooterBot Assembly — build and personalize your robot

• Brainstorm & Sketch — multiple design concepts with engineering prompts

• Tinkercad Tutorial — guided practice on 3D design tools

• Design & Print — model, troubleshoot, and 3D print the ScooterBot upgrade

• Test & Improve — attach, test, and refine the printed prototype

Time Needed: ~3 hours (plus print time)
Format: Engineering & Design Challenge (3D Modeling + Robotics)
Materials: ScooterBot kits, 3D printers, Tinkercad access, Engineering Notebooks, basic craft and assembly supplies