Focus Question: How do engineers define a problem and generate multiple possible solutions?
Explain how the Engineering Design Process will guide the Launch Pad Challenge. Identify the challenge criteria and non-negotiable constraints. Create three annotated concepts that solve the same problem in meaningfully different ways.
Use only the standardized team material kit and approved joining methods. You are not required to use every material.
Suggested work block: 45–60 minutes. Physical builds and projects may span several classes; follow your teacher’s schedule.
Every task advances the same Rocket Launch Pad Design Challenge.
Your team has a concise design brief and three understandable concepts that another student could interpret without a verbal explanation.
The project is intentionally constrained so your engineering effort can focus on structure, stability, and decision making.
The launch pad must securely support the instructor-provided rocket in an upright position, remain stable during qualification testing, and be built only from the standardized team material kit.
The rocket is provided. Do not modify it.
You are not memorizing a sequence before the project. You will experience the process by completing the challenge.
Today: understand the problem, identify what cannot change, then create options.
Maximum launch-pad footprint: 12 in × 12 in.
Maximum pad height: 12 in, not including the rocket.
Use the provided rocket. It may not be cut, drilled, glued, taped, or otherwise modified.
The rocket must be removable without damaging either item.
The launch pad must be freestanding and hold the rocket upright without being held.
It must remain functional after qualification testing.
Use only the standardized team material kit and approved joining methods.
You are not required to use every material.
Engineering habit: Material is useful only when it contributes to function. Do not add parts simply because they are available.
Do not draw the same idea three times with cosmetic changes.
Quality check: Another team should be able to understand the concept without you standing beside it.
Submit the complete team evidence required by this lesson. Use clear labels, dimensions, test data, and reasoning where applicable.
Download the class presentation used to introduce the challenge, walk through the Engineering Design Process, and guide the design brief, criteria and constraints, and concept-sketch work.
Submit the evidence specified in the activity and your classroom assignment. The report below collects your notes, calculations, observations, and reflections; attach any required drawings, photos, CAD, or code separately.
A PDF download is not a submission. Review it, then upload it and any required attachments through your classroom assignment system.
