Resource Center
Building a Grape Smasher
Work in a team to design a machine from simple supplies that can smash a grape.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Persist and Learn from Failure
Failure is an important part of engineering and plays a critical role in solving problems.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Identify as Engineers
Help youth learn about engineering and see themselves as someone who can engineer solutions.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Work in Teams
Help youth develop the skills they need to work as part of an engineering team.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Consider Real-World Problems
The purpose of engineering is to design solutions to real-world problems. To do this, engineers must consider the context, background information, needs of the client, and the implication of possible solutions.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Evaluate Designs and Iterate
Engineers use an iterative process to evaluate, revise, and improve solutions.
Learning Blast
Learning Blast: Explore Materials
Learn how engineers investigate and consider the properties and uses of materials to select those that are most appropriate for the task.
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Engage in Iteration
See how youth test their packaging designs to see if they can protect an egg, and how Denise and Jaimie organize the activity to challenge them to improve designs.
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Learning To Fail
See how staff help youth learn from their failed attempts to build a grape smasher and help them revise and improve the designs.