# Engineering Activities

Part of the Engineering Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/index.md)

*6. Hands-On Engineering*

> **6.** Do TWO of the following:

This requirement puts engineering knowledge into practice. You will choose **two** of seven activities, each exploring a different area of engineering. Read through all the options below, then pick the two that interest you most.

## Your Options

### [Req 6a — Transforming Motion](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6a/)
Build a simple model that demonstrates mechanical motion using levers, inclined planes, and other basic mechanisms. Great if you enjoy building things with your hands and understanding how gears, levers, and pulleys work.

### [Req 6b — Using Electricity](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6b/)
Survey the electrical appliances in your home, learn about electricity consumption and costs, and find ways to conserve energy. Ideal if you are interested in how electrical power works in everyday life.

### [Req 6c — Understanding Electronics](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6c/)
Investigate how a smartphone or tablet transmits sound, video, text, and images — and analyze its design for usability, function, and durability. Perfect if you are curious about the technology in your pocket.

### [Req 6d — Using Materials](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6d/)
Run experiments comparing the strength and heat conductivity of wood, metal, and plastic. Choose this if you enjoy hands-on experiments and want to understand why engineers choose specific materials for specific jobs.

### [Req 6e — Converting Energy](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6e/)
Design an experiment showing how energy converts between forms — mechanical, heat, chemical, solar, and electrical. A good choice if you are interested in physics and energy science.

### [Req 6f — Moving People](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6f/)
Study how people in your community get to work, conduct a traffic flow study, and propose transportation improvements. Great if you are interested in how cities work and how engineers solve large-scale problems.

### [Req 6g — Building an Engineering Project](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/engineering/guide/req6g/)
Enter a science or engineering fair or participate on an engineering competition team, then discuss your experience. Choose this if you are already involved in STEM competitions or want to jump in.

> **Tip**
>
> Pick two options that excite you — you will put more effort into activities you genuinely find interesting. Consider pairing a hands-on building activity (like 6a, 6d, or 6e) with a research-based one (like 6b, 6c, or 6f) for a well-rounded experience.

![A split-scene showing different engineering activities — one side shows a teenager building a mechanical model with gears and levers, the other shows a teenager conducting a materials strength experiment with wood, metal, and plastic samples](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/engineering/guide/engineering-activities-overview?v=a2d356ac)

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