Weather STEM: Hail Protection Engineering Challenge & Weather Science

$5.75

Use the engineering design process to create a device that protects a “car” from hail damage. Student handouts are provided in printed and digital format (editable Google Slides).

Grades: 2nd - 8th

Teaching Duration: 90 minutes

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“This was a fun and engaging engineering project to end our weather unit. I have several engineering projects that I use throughout the year and I will be keeping this in the rotation.”

— Elizabeth F.

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lesson overview

Hail Protection STEM Engineering Design Challenge

Your mission: Use the engineering design process to create a device that protects a “car” from hail damage. Student handouts are provided in printed and digital format (editable Google Slides).

Science background: Students learn about the science of hail formation and shock absorption. This is a great activity to supplement weather science lessons!

Engineering Challenge: Using common materials, students design a hail-proof device to protect the aluminum foil car as the hail (rocks) hits it. A full teacher guide includes photos of student projects, video resources, and handouts to guide your students through the engineering design process to solve the challenge.

Recommended Supplies: aluminum foil cake pan, rocks, makers, paper, cardstock, index cards, straws, tape, craft sticks, cotton balls, and scissors.

STEM Real-World Connections: Background pages cover the following STEM careers: meteorologist and storm chasers. A handout is also provided on the worst hail storm in history.

As with many STEM activities that are student-driven, this challenge can be tailored to students of various skill levels and abilities.

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