In looking at successful inquiry activities, patterns in pedagogical approach emerge (Meyer et al. 2011). This article discusses one such approach--the design challenge. A design challenge can be defined as an activity in which students are given an explicit task to create a product that meets a defined goal. However, simply asking students to make something does not create an effective challenge. It is the details that make the difference: How is the challenge phrased? With what parameters and constraints will students grapple? How will they be oriented to the problems inherent in the challenge? In this article, the author discusses the nuances of effective design challenges and the options available for creating a successful activity.