What do the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Great Pyramid of Giza have in common? They are famous world landmarks with beautiful architecture. I want to help ignite your child’s curiosity about buildings, architecture, and engineering. So today, I have 12 extraordinary STEM building challenges to inspire the next generation of architectural engineers! Who will build the next world-famous landmark?

STEM Building Challenges: 12 Fun Ideas to Try!

Let’s get those Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical minds working with some architecture activities and crafts. In fact, some of these STEM building challenges are right out of my Architecture Around The World Family Unit Study. If you want to explore even more amazing architectural wonders, I encourage you to dive into the 10 thoughtfully curated topics covered.

Free Great Wall of China Activity Bundle

Before we get started, enter your email address below to enjoy this awesome Great Wall of China activity bundle. Once you enter your email address, you’ll be instantly sent your free activity bundle. You’ll also be redirected to the How Wee Learn Shop, where you can take a peek at my ever-growing collection of Family Unit Studies.

Now, let’s take a look at these STEM Building Challenges!

Build the Great Wall of China – This was such a fun and stimulating activity to do with my children. It involved lots of problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.

Bridge Building STEM Challenge – Children always build using traditional tools like blocks or LEGO. With this STEM challenge, we push our little ones a bit beyond building what they like or following simple instructions. Instead, we encourage them to use their building knowledge to create a bridge.

Index Card Castles by Frugal Fun 4 Boys and Girls – Who wouldn’t love to build a castle? This is such a fun and easy way to create your own architectural wonder with endless ways to design and decorate.

Ancient Greek Architecture STEM Challenge & Activities by Preschool Powol Packets – This super simple challenge would be so much fun for all ages. Does this cup and cookie sheet tower remind you of anything? Its architectural design is similar to that of the Colosseum!

How to Build the Eiffel Tower by KC EDventures – This impressive Eiffel Tower was made entirely out of newspaper! How cool is that?

Cardboard Roll Leaning Tower of Pisa by Office Works – Children will adore this STEM building challenge. It’s fun to re-create a building that’s not so perfect, and there’s also the challenge of making it lean far enough but not so far that the tower topples over. 

Paper Cup Pyramids by Stay at Home Educator – With just a few paper cups and a simple workspace, children can create their own pyramids. They can begin with a small structure and gradually build upward, increasing the height as they go.