Functional Design: Make Stuff That Works (Laurelhurst, K-8)

Program Description

Why settle for something that almost fits when you can design exactly what you need? Students become inventors by creating custom objects that solve real problems: phone stands sized for their phone, organizers that fit their desk, fidgets that spin just right.

Projects include puzzle boxes, cookie cutters, clips and holders, game accessories, and student-designed inventions. Along the way, students learn practical skills like measuring, prototyping, and iterating on designs when something doesn't work the first time.

This is hands-on engineering with a creative twist. Students test their creations, troubleshoot problems, and redesign until it works. Then take home something they'll actually use.