As science, technology education, and engineering programs suffer budget cuts, educators continue to seek cost-effective activities that engage students and reinforce standards. The featherweight challenge is a hands-on activity that challenges students to continually refine their design while not breaking the budget. This activity uses one of the strongest motivators for most students--competition. Students compete against each other to see who can design the lightest piece of paper that can hold a suspended two-liter bottle filled with water. This activity introduces the sophisticated topic of structural technology, while stressing the importance of the design process and the role of troubleshooting.