Interesting Engineering Project Suggestions

This is such a broad, open-ended question that not knowing anything about your situation, what you have at your disposal, it's so hard to answer. And there are so many types of engineering: mechanical, electrical, software, chemical, civil, and so on to choose from.

The elements of an engineering project are the same regardless of type of engineering. Your goal is to build something. You first state with that thing needs to do: the requirements. Then you write down how the thing you build will meet those requirements: the specification. Then you design it. At this point, upi haven't built anything yet, but the hard work is behind you. Then you build and test.

When I was in fifth grade, we were "into" things that moved, usually vehicles of some type. Skateboards were just coming into being and so designing a board that could be steered was popular. Because my family lived on a big hill, we built "cars" like soapbox derby cars. Two axles, a pivot for the front with a rope-based steering mechanism, a frame and seat, a hinged board to press against the rear wheels to act as a brake. This can be fun but can be dangerous, so if you go this route, take all the necessary precautions. The requirements would be a list of things it has to do: roll on its own with low friction, carry one person in a seated, forward-facing position, be able to be turned around a curve of a certain radius, be able to be stopped in a timely manner, protect the driver from roll-overs, etc.

Whatever you choose, don't skimp on the process of planning through requirements, specification, and design. Most of the engineering happens before you pick up the hammer or beaker or soldering iron.

Source:education.com