Volleyball Machine Challenge for Grades 3-5
- Design and build "volleyball machines" based on specified criteria.
- Iteratively test and modify the machines to improve their performance.
This engineering project is based on the "Beach Volleyball" friendly competition designed by employees of Fluor Corporation located in Southern California.
OverviewTeach your students about the engineering design process with this fun lesson plan. They will design and build two "volleyball machines" that launch a ping pong ball back and forth over a net. While the 2019 Fluor Engineering Challenge is over, your students can still try this project and compare their scores to top scores from around the world! Teachers, note that middle school and high school versions of this lesson plan are also available. Looking for this year's challenge? Check out our main Fluor Engineering Challenge page for all the latest information, including for a chance to win a cash prize for your school or nonprofit! NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]()
Note: material costs are not pro-rated. For example, if you use any tape, it still costs the entire 10 points, even if you do not use the whole roll. Reviews |
Grade Range
3rd-5th
Group Size
2-4 students
Active Time
2-3 hours
Total Time
2-3 hours
Area of Science
Physics
Key Concepts
Engineering design
Credits
Ben Finio, PhD, Science Buddies
This engineering project is based on the "Beach Volleyball" friendly competition designed by employees of Fluor Corporation located in Southern California. Learning Objectives
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