Eighth Grade, Mechanical Engineering STEM Activities for Kids (14 results)

If you're interested in object motion and enjoy building things or taking mechanical things apart to see how they work, then it sounds like you'd be interested in mechanical engineering.

Build a Mini Trebuchet

STEM Activity

479 reviews

You probably know what a catapult is. In the Middle Ages armies would use them to hurl stones at castle walls. But did you know about an even bigger type of medieval siege weapon called a trebuchet? Try this project to build a miniature version! Read more

Build a Rubber Band-Powered Car

STEM Activity

608 reviews

Admit it, you've probably launched a rubber band at least once—pulled one end back, and let it go flying. Did you ever suspect that rubber bands could also be a fun way to learn about physics and engineering? Find out in this project where you'll build a rubber band-powered car. Read more

Build a Wind-Powered Car

STEM Activity

372 reviews

Is that a sailboat or a sail...car? Design and build a toy car powered by the wind in this fun engineering project! Read more

Featured

Make String from Algae

STEM Activity

225 reviews

Did you know that the seaweed you've seen in the ocean or even eaten as a snack is inspiring innovators to imagine new materials? Large brown algae, like kelp, contains polymers—long chains of molecules—that are more environmentally friendly than the ones in most plastics. These natural polymers (alginates) could eventually be used to create sustainable everyday objects. Try your hand at using a bit of chemistry to turn biodegradable polymers from algae into your own custom… Read more

Make Cardboard Automata

STEM Activity

117 reviews

Have you ever wondered how to create art with moving parts using nothing but cardboard, a few skewers, and some craft supplies? In this fun STEM activity, you will build an automaton, a machine that makes parts appear and disappear, move up and down, spin in circles, or all of these together. The instructions will show you how to build a moving caterpillar, but you can use your imagination to build any other animal or object you want! Read more

Protect Your 'Eggstronaut': Build an Egg-Drop Lander

STEM Activity

170 reviews

The egg-drop project is a classic and time-honored tradition in many science classes. The goal is usually to build a device that can protect an egg when dropped from a high location. This activity puts a twist on the classic project, motivated by real-world advances in space exploration. Can you build a reusable egg-drop lander that can survive repeated falls from the same height? Try this activity and find out Read more

DIY Mini Propeller Car

STEM Activity

94 reviews

Build your own mini propeller car with craft materials and a simple circuit in this fun STEM activity! Read more

Design a Cell Phone Stand

STEM Activity

86 reviews

Why buy it when you can build it? That is the attitude you will need for this project. You have probably seen cell phone holders or stands around the house or in a car. They might seem like a very simple object, but they are a great way to learn about the engineering design process. In this project, you will design and build your own working phone stand. Read more

Build a Water Sprinkler Toy

STEM Activity

5 reviews

Do you enjoy playing with water? Have you ever considered building a water sprinkler toy? It is easier than it looks! Get some PVC pipes, a few connectors, and a backyard water hose, then drill a few holes and start connecting! What will be your most creative and most fun design? Read more

Design a Back Scratcher

STEM Activity

29 reviews

Don't you hate it when you have an itch you can't reach right in the middle of your back? Engineer a solution to the problem and build your own back scratcher in this fun activity! Read more

Gear Up Your Candy

STEM Activity

7 reviews

Did you know that gears are all around you? You can find them in wind-up toys, bicycles, carousels, cars and trucks, cranes, drills, wind turbines, analog watches, and so forth! If you've looked closely at a moving bicycle, you have seen gears at work. Are you curious about their purpose? In this activity you will use candy to make gears and explore why they are so versatile. Read more

Explore Our Science Videos

Simulate Clean Room Contamination with Crayon Leaf Rubbings | Science Project

Medical Alert Fall Detector with micro:bit | Science Project

Understand the Emotions Behind Any Text with Sentiment Analysis: A Python Coding Tutorial