Science3-5
Car Crash Safety Engineering Challenge
By Alexis B.
This 1-page packet guides 3rd-5th graders through the engineering design process to build and test a safety system for a toy car. Students will practice problem identification, design, building, testing, and iteration while learning about real-world car safety features.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this packet as a 45-minute hands-on STEM lesson, introducing the engineering design process.
- Discussion question: How do the safety features you designed compare to those in real cars?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide pre-made design templates or partner students for sketching.
- Extension for advanced students: Challenge them to incorporate a specific material or achieve a certain level of passenger protection.
- Estimated time: 45 minutes.
Science3-5
Car Crash Safety Engineering Challenge
By Alexis B.
This 1-page packet guides 3rd-5th graders through the engineering design process to build and test a safety system for a toy car. Students will practice problem identification, design, building, testing, and iteration while learning about real-world car safety features.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this packet as a 45-minute hands-on STEM lesson, introducing the engineering design process.
- Discussion question: How do the safety features you designed compare to those in real cars?
- Scaffold for struggling readers: Provide pre-made design templates or partner students for sketching.
- Extension for advanced students: Challenge them to incorporate a specific material or achieve a certain level of passenger protection.
- Estimated time: 45 minutes.