The ballpoint pen is an ideal example of simple engineering that we use everyday. But is it really so simple? The ballpoint pen is a remarkable combination of technology and science. Its operation uses several scientific principles related to chemistry and physics, such as properties of liquids and simple machines. They represent significant advancement in the engineering development of writing instruments. This article describes how basic engineering ideas can be integrated with properties of matter using the 5-E Learning Cycle model of inquiry pedagogy (Moyer, Hackett, and Everett 2007). (Contains 5 figures.)