We’ve gathered our favorite engineering resources for kids—from books and vocabulary builders to free printables and challenge calendars. Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, or parent, these tools will make it easy to dive into engineering and spark innovation.
Best Engineering Resources for Kids
Do your kids love building, designing, and asking “why”? You may already have a budding engineer on your hands! Engineering is all about solving problems, testing ideas, and improving designs—and kids are natural problem-solvers. With the right resources, you can help them channel that curiosity into hands-on STEM learning at home or in the classroom.
🔎 You can find all of our very best engineering activities and projects here, including mechanical, structural, electrical, and more!
What Is an Engineer?
Let’s start with the basics: What is an Engineer [read more here]? Engineers are creative problem-solvers who combine math, science, and imagination to design, build, and improve the things around us—whether it’s bridges, robots, or navigation systems.
They work closely with scientists, architects, and other experts to turn ideas into real-world solutions, using their knowledge of math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Curious how engineers differ from scientists? Engineers focus on how to apply knowledge, while scientists focus on why things happen.
1. Engineering Books for Kids
Start with our handpicked selection of the BEST Engineering books for kids. These titles introduce big ideas in fun and engaging ways, making it easy for kids to see themselves as engineers, inventors, and makers.
Check out our favorite STEM books for kids
2. Engineering Design Process
Introduce your kids to the Engineering Design Process—the backbone of problem-solving. They’ll learn to ask questions, imagine solutions, plan designs, create prototypes, test them out, and improve their ideas.
Explore the Engineering Design Process
3. Engineering Vocabulary Words
Help kids sound like real engineers with engaging engineering words. Building vocabulary boosts comprehension and gives them the language to explain their projects with confidence.
Get our engineering vocabulary list
4. Reflection Questions
After a project, spark meaningful discussions with Questions for Reflection. Asking kids to think about what worked, what didn’t, and what they might do differently helps develop critical thinking and persistence.
5. Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar (Free!)
Keep the momentum going with our FREE Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar. Packed with daily ideas, this calendar makes it easy to set up quick activities that build creativity and problem-solving skills.
Grab your free Jr. Engineer Challenge Calendar
6. Must-Have STEM Supplies List
Don’t know where to start? Our Must-Have STEM Supplies List makes engineering projects simple. From craft sticks to balloons, these materials are budget-friendly and versatile for tons of activities.
See our must-have STEM supplies
7. Real World STEM Template (Free!)
Encourage kids to think like real engineers with our Real World STEM Template. This printable helps them identify problems in their school or community and brainstorm ways to solve them. It’s perfect for classrooms or homeschool projects.
Download the free Real World STEM template
Next Steps in Engineering
Once you’ve explored these resources, it’s time to put them into action! Try hands-on engineering challenges like:
- Building a paper bridge that can hold weight
- Designing a marshmallow and spaghetti tower
- Creating a balloon-powered car
- Making a homemade parachute
- Testing a LEGO zip line
Each project encourages kids to test ideas, work through challenges, and celebrate success (even after a few failures!).
Want even more? Check out our Engineering Projects Pack for ready-to-go challenges you can use in the classroom or at home.
