Engineers have a knack for making everyday household items unique creations. Be it a catapult, a trebuchet, or something else entirely, the possibilities are truly endless. With the right tools, a bit of imagination, and some knowledge of physics, engineering enthusiasts can make something extraordinary with just items found around the house. You don't need much money or fancy materials to start creating, so why not get creative and put your engineering skills to the test? Here are some great projects that you can do with household items.

Rube Goldberg Machine
This classic engineering project is a staple for any engineer. You'll create an elaborate chain reaction of everyday objects to achieve a specific goal or task. It can be simple, but you can make it as complicated as you want. With planning, creativity, and an understanding of physics, you can create your own Rube Goldberg Machine.

Automated Sorting Machine
This project is perfect for anyone who wants to make something more complex. You'll build an automated sorting machine using common items such as cardboard, wooden blocks, batteries, motors, and more. This will help you learn about automation, programming, and mechanics. You'll gain a better understanding of how different components work together as well as how to program your machine for it to sort items properly.

Van De Graaf Generator
If you have seen a Van De Graaf generator before, you know they are pretty impressive. This project requires more knowledge of electronics but is still doable with standard items. With this device, you'll be able to generate static electricity for experiments or even just as an awe-inspiring way to start conversations. The Van De Graaf generator is a great project, as it is simple enough for anyone with basic knowledge of electronics to understand while being complex enough to fascinate experienced engineers.

Cardboard Airplane
Cardboards have always been a favorite material for engineers, as they are easy and cheap. Building an airplane out of cardboard is a great project that will test your engineering skills. You'll need to consider aerodynamic principles, the strength of materials, and more when designing and constructing your plane. It's a great way to learn about the physics behind flight in a hands-on way.

Wind Turbine
As the push for renewable energy grows, so does the need for engineers to design and build efficient wind turbines. You can create your model with everyday household items like cardboard, aluminum foil, string, and rubber bands. As for tools, you'll need a hot glue gun, scissors, and a drill. TheToolSquare has reviewed some of the best power tools for engineering projects that you can use. Building a wind turbine is an exciting project that will give you a better understanding of the principles behind this type of renewable energy.

Phone Charger
All you need to build your own phone charger  is some electronics components like resistors, transistors, and capacitors, as well as basic tools such as soldering iron, wire cutters, and screwdrivers. With this project, you'll be able to understand the different parts of your phone charger and how they work together to charge your phone.

Electric Skateboard
Playing around with electric skateboards is a great way to explore the engineering world. Get an electric motor, battery, and other parts, and everything will be set. As assembling an electric skateboard requires soldering and wiring knowledge, it's best suited for those experienced with electronics projects. Once you're done building your board, you can enjoy the ride and have fun while learning about electric motors.

Wire Klann Mechanism
It is not difficult to find a spool of wire in your basement or a nearby store; that is all you need to build a Wire Klann mechanism. This project will help you explore the fundamentals of robotics and help you understand how it works interestingly. You will also understand the principles of kinematics and how to use wires for movement. It is a fun project you can do with your kids, as it does not require special tools or materials.

PVC Longbow
Engineering isn't just about circuits, robots, and machines; it also involves building structures. With this project, you'll be able to construct a PVC Longbow using ordinary tools and PVC pipes. You'll need to know some construction principles, such as how to bend the PVC pipes and join them together correctly for your bow to be stable and robust. It's an excellent project for those interested in engineering and archery.

There are many engineering projects that you can do in your free time. You can build everything from a Van De Graaf Generator to an electric skateboard with the right tools and materials. Projects like these are great for understanding engineering principles and can help you become a better engineer.

_{Header Image Source: Pixabay}

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We would like to thank TheToolSquare for their support in producing this blog article for New Engineer.