Monthly Maker Challenge #1 — Build a 15-Second Machine

Design and build a simple machine that moves continuously or demonstrates a clear mechanical action for exactly 15 seconds, then stops naturally.

Your machine must be safe, creative, easy to explain, and built using only the approved household or recycled materials.

Can you build a machine that works for exactly 15 seconds?

In this Monthly Maker Challenge, participants will design, build, test, and improve a creative mechanical machine using simple household and recycled materials.

Your machine may use gravity, rolling objects, levers, wheels, ramps, rubber bands, string, or other simple mechanisms. It must:

• Start with one simple action
• Continue moving for 15 seconds
• Perform a visible mechanical action
• Stop naturally without being manually switched off

There is no single correct solution. Experiment with different ideas, improve your design, and create something original.

Challenge Objectives

By completing this challenge, participants will practise:

• Engineering design
• Creative problem-solving
• Simple machines and motion
• Timing and precision
• Prototype testing
• Troubleshooting
• Documentation and presentation
• Communication skills

Who Can Participate?

• Open to individual participants aged 10–16 years
• Beginners are welcome
• No previous engineering experience is required
• Each participant may submit only one project
• The project must be designed and built by the participant

Allowed Materials

Participants may use:

• Cardboard
• Paper cups and paper plates
• Wooden sticks
• Straws
• String or thread
• Rubber bands
• Balloons
• Bottle caps
• Marbles or small balls
• Recycled plastic bottles
• Newspapers
• Glue and tape
• Any other safe household or recycled material approved by the organizers

Not Allowed

• Arduino or microcontrollers
• Electronic timers
• Motors or batteries
• Ready-made mechanical kits
• Commercial robot parts
• Sharp, dangerous, explosive, or hazardous materials

Machine Requirements

The machine must:

• Begin with one clear starting action
• Continue moving or operating for approximately 15 seconds
• Perform a visible mechanical function
• Stop naturally
• Be stable and safe
• Be easy to explain
• Show original thinking