Welcome to Fluxspace!
Warm-Up: Design Challenges
Challenge 1: Tallest Ping Pong Tower
- Build the tallest freestanding tower that can hold a ping pong ball.
- Height is measured from the table to the bottom of the ping pong ball.
Challenge Rules:
- Each team has the same materials — use only what’s at your table.
- You don’t need to use everything.
- Don’t break reusable items (like K’NEX, scissors, or ping pong balls).
Try Two Designs:
- Start with a safe and sturdy design — raise your hand for an official measurement.
- Then go bold — take a risk and try to build even taller!
Ping Pong Parachute Challenge
- Keep a ping pong ball floating in the air for as long as possible.
- Time starts when you let go and stops when the ball touches down.
Challenge Rules:
- Use only the materials at your table — no refills.
- You don’t need to use all the materials.
- Be careful not to break any reusable items.
Try Two Designs:
- Test a safe version and see how it does.
- Improve your design to make it fly even slower!
Wind Tunnel Challenge
- Test how well your designs work in a wind tunnel.
- Make adjustments to improve flight time and stability.
Clean Up Instructions
- Consumables: Throw away small scraps and return unused materials to the bins.
- Building Materials: Return everything neatly to the bins.
- Tools: Return tools to the wall.
What is a Prototype?
A prototype is an early model of a product used to test an idea or invention.
“In order to invent something great, you must present it at the early and rough stages.”
— Tom Kelley, The Ten Faces of Innovation
Problem Solving & Design Thinking
- Ask: What’s the problem in this situation?
- Remember: There are endless ways to solve a problem.
- Your solution should aim to fix a real and relatable problem.
What is Design Thinking?
Design Thinking is a creative, hands-on process for solving problems.
It includes:
1. Discover
- What does a firefighter do?
- What tools or skills do they need?
2. Define
- What specific challenges do firefighters face?
3. Develop
- Brainstorm as many ideas as you can.
- All ideas are welcome — no bad ideas!
- Combine ideas to invent something new.
- Sketch your best idea.
4. Deliver
- Build a prototype of your invention.
- Focus on helping a firefighter do their job better.
Reflection
Write your thoughts on a sticky note and place it on the board:
- + What’s something you learned today?
- – What was frustrating today?
- ? What questions do you still have?
Thanks for Visiting Fluxspace!
Project Examples
Have a solution to this challenge you want to share? Take a photo or video of your prototype, post it on social media, and don’t forget to tag us @fluxspace_io
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