Engineering is a great way to learn important skills and gain real-world experience, and introducing this into high school is a perfect chance to learn more about the discipline.
High school students looking for exciting engineering projects that they can do at home should look no further! In this article, we’ll discuss the top ten best high school engineering projects to try today.
From building a bridge out of paper and cardboard to creating an automated irrigation system, these projects are sure to get students engaged and thinking critically.
1. Build A Bridge Out Of Paper And Cardboard
This project is perfect for students interested in engineering and architecture. Students can start by designing their bridge on paper, then build it using cardboard or other lightweight materials.
The challenge is to make the bridge strong enough to hold several books without collapsing!
This is a great project to help your students learn more about engineering principles and bridge construction.
2. Create An Automated Irrigation System
This project is perfect for students interested in agricultural engineering or robotics, as it offers a chance to learn about the technology behind automated irrigation systems.
Students can start by designing their system on paper, then building it using basic components such as sensors, pumps, and tubing to get water to where it’s needed.
The challenge is to make sure that the system works properly and efficiently!
This project will teach your students more about the technology used in modern irrigation systems and help them gain valuable experience in engineering design, as well as offer a valuable insight into electronics and programming, and offer a practical application for their skills which will be extremely useful if they decide to pursue this line of study.
3. Construct A Wind Turbine
Renewable and eco-energy are hot topics in the engineering world, and this project is perfect for students interested in exploring sustainable energy sources.
Students can start by designing their wind turbine on paper, then build it using basic components such as motors, blades, and supports, with the challenge being to make the turbine generate enough electricity to power a small light bulb or fan!
This project is sure to teach your students more about generators, electricity, and wind power, and will show them just how much thought and planning go into the design and creation of renewable energy sources – a topic that is guaranteed to continue to grow and expand as time goes on.
4. Design A Robot
Robots and robotics are becoming increasingly popular in the engineering world, and this project is great for students interested in exploring this technology.
You can start by giving students a desired outcome – something that their robot must be able to do – and then have them design and build their robot from there, using an array of tools and components to help them see and understand just what goes into creating the gadgets and items that we use in everyday life.
This challenge is a great way to teach your students more about engineering principles, robotics, and programming, as well as give them a look into emerging technology and the future of robotics.
Plus, they’ll be able to take pride in creating a fully functioning robot of their own – a pretty awesome achievement!
5. Construct A Solar Oven
This project is perfect for students interested in renewable energy and chemical engineering and will encourage your students to think more widely about where their energy comes from, how to harness different types of energy and the options for renewables in the future.
Students can design and build a solar oven out of cardboard, aluminum foil, mirrors, and other materials – the challenge is to make the oven reach temperatures high enough to cook food, or as close as possible!
This project will help your students learn more about heat transfer, insulation, and solar power, and is a great introduction to other eco-friendly options and career paths that may be open to them in the future.
6. Create A Hovercraft
Looking for something a little different to do with your students? Then why not head into the future by encouraging them to build and design their very own hovercraft?
This project is perfect for students interested in aerodynamics and propulsion engineering, and offers a chance to apply their knowledge of basic components and technology to create a working hovercraft – something that will surely excite and inspire your students!
The challenge is to make the craft as efficient as possible, whilst also considering its weight, balance, and stability.
Once completed, it’s time to get testing – hold a competition to see whose creation can fly the highest, the furthest, or for the longest without failing.
7. Design An Electrical Circuit Maze
This project is great for students interested in electrical engineering and will teach them more about circuits, wiring, and basic electrical principles.
The challenge is to design and build an electrical circuit maze – think along the lines of a board game, with the aim being to make it from one end to the other without breaking the circuit.
The project can be as simple or complex as you like, with students having to consider their use of components such as switches, resistors, and capacitors, as well as their wiring and layout.
This project is great for encouraging your students to use their problem-solving skills and will give them a greater understanding of electrical engineering principles in the process, as well as a hint at just how these skills can be used to begin a lucrative, fascinating career in electronics or electrical design.
8. Develop An Automated Arm
This project is perfect for students interested in mechanical and automation engineering, as it will give them the opportunity to explore and understand the mechanics behind robotics – and has the added bonus of being a little weird, and super cool!
To complete this challenge, they will need to design and build an automated arm that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks such as moving objects from one place to another or picking up items.
This project will teach your students more about robotics, programming, and automation and is a great way to introduce them to the fascinating world of robotics, as well as the ways in which this technology can enhance and transform our daily lives.
9. Build An Electric Car
Do your students have dreams of creating the next Porsche model, or proudly creating the next F1 winner?
If so, then this is the perfect project and will give your students the chance to learn about and build a functional electric car from scratch.
They’ll need to consider their use of materials, design and build an appropriate frame, source and install a motor, create a battery system, and develop a controller to make it all work, offering a great overview of topics and skills such as mechanical engineering, design, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Not only will this project help to develop their practical skills, but it will also give them a chance to learn more about the growing electric car industry and the various career paths available.
10. Program A Drone
Drones are becoming increasingly commonplace, with their use becoming more widespread than ever before – from military applications through to agriculture and film-making.
This project is perfect for students interested in aeronautics and programming and will teach them about the principles of flight, as well as how to program a drone for autonomous flights.
The challenge is to program a drone to follow a predetermined set of commands autonomously – such as taking off, flying in a certain direction, avoiding obstacles, and landing – or even simply to make it hover in one place!
This project will require your students to develop their programming skills, as well as their understanding of aeronautical engineering principles.
11. Create A Solar-Powered Device
This project is great for students interested in renewable energy and will give them the chance to explore the principles of solar power and its applications.
The challenge is to design and build a device that uses solar power to do something useful – such as powering a small motor or charging a mobile phone battery.
This project encourages your students to think about energy efficiency, as well as how solar power can be used in everyday life.
They’ll need to consider their use of materials, design and build a suitable frame, source and install an appropriate solar cell panel and develop a controller to make it all work.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the best high school engineering projects that your students can try today.
Not only will they have a great time developing their technical skills and learning more about engineering principles, but they’ll also gain a better understanding of the various career paths available in this field.
So why not encourage them to get creative and see what amazing projects they can come up with?
Hi, my name is Helena Waters and I was a teacher for 40 years before retiring last year.
During my time as a teacher I dedicated the majority of it to making classrooms as fun as possible, with educational parties, fun activities, and low cost entertainment that made the children excited about learning.
I taught children of all ages, from preschoolers to high school students. Now, with the pandemic having uprooted everything that children once knew about school and learning, I think that the need for my ideas is bigger than ever.
That is why I created School Sparks, a place in which I can write down and share all of my ideas on how to get students excited about going to school again. I hope that you’ll find some useful within a school setting, even at home too!
