Cassini Scientist For a Day
The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants examine three possible observations taken by the Cassini spacecraft and are tasked to choose the one they think will yield the best scientific results. This choice must then be supported in essay. Grade: 5th-12th Deadline: February
Curiousity Machine
A variety of challenges students can build or engineer with a variety of easily obtainable items. Age: All ages Deadline: N/A
Cybermission
A web-based science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition that promotes self-discovery and
enables students to recognize real-life applications of STEM. Teams of 3-4 students ask questions (for science) or
define problems (for engineering), and then construct explanations (for science) or design solutions (for engineering)
based on identified problems in their community. Grade: 6th - 9th Deadline: Varies based on regional, state, and national levels
Engineering Challenge - Maryland Only
Sponsored by the Baltimore Museum of Industry, the Engineering Society of Baltimore, the Technology Education Association of Maryland and the TIME Center at the Community College of Baltimore County, students can compete in a variety of long term engineering problem solving contests such as building a maglev train. Grade: 1st - 12th Deadline: January to April
Exploravision
ExploraVision is a hands-on, minds-on project that simulates real research and development to inspire students and fuel imagination. Teams will explore a specific technology and create a project based on their chosen technology. Grade: K - 12th Deadline: February
Google Science Fair
Google sponsored science fair open to students aged 13 to 18 from around the world. Student work on their own or in teams
of 2 or 3. Age: 13 - 18 Deadline: TBA
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
The Intel ISEF - the world's largest pre-college science competition -provides an opportunity for the best young scientists from around the globe to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge science projects, and compete for over $4 million in awards and scholarships. Grade: 9th - 12th Deadline: May
International Physics Olympiad
Each year, AAPT and the American Institute of Physics sponsor a competition for high school students to represent the U.S. at the International Physics Olympiad Competition. The mission of the U.S. Physics Team Program is to promote and demonstrate academic excellence through preparation for and participation in the International Physics Olympiad. Grade: 9th - 12th Deadline: December
International Young Eco-Hero Awards Program
The International Young Eco-Hero Awards recognizes and rewards the successful individual environmental initiatives of young people. Age: 8 - 16 Deadline: February
Invent-It Challenge
The Lemelson Center engages youth through its Spark!Lab, which shows the real story behind an inventor's work. It uses fun activities to help kids and families learn about the history and process of invention-from a creative idea to successful marketing. It holds annual contests. Age: 5 - 18 Deadline: March
NASA Student Competitions
The portal page to a large number of NASA sponsored competitions. Contest list constantly changes, giving students many different ways to tackle challenges found throughout space sciences. Grade: K - 12th Deadline: Varies, check page for ongoing contests
NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest
This annual contest, co-operated by NASA Ames Research Center, San Jose State University, and the National Space Society (NSS) is for all students up to 12th grade (18 years old) from anywhere in the world. Students develop space settlement designs and related materials. These are sent to NASA Ames for judgement. Grade: K - 12th Deadline: February
National Science Bowl
The National Science Bowl is a highly competitive science education and academic event among teams of high school and middle school students who compete in a fast-paced verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. Grade: 6th - 12th Deadline: April
National STEM Video Game Challenge
The challenge is designed to motivate interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among youth by harnessing their natural passion for playing video games and inspiring them to design games of their own. Grade: 5th - 12th Deadline: May
Neuroscience for Kids Poetry Contest
All poems, limericks and haiku must have at least 3 lines and cannot be longer than 10 lines. All material must have a neuroscience theme such as brain anatomy (a part of the brain), brain function (memory, language, emotions, movement, the senses, etc.), drug abuse or brain health (helmets, brain disorders, etc.). Grade: K - 12th Deadline: February
Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition
The Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition was established in 2001 to promote and recognize innovative new designs of mechanical puzzles. Age: All Ages Deadline: June
PhysicsQuest
PhysicsQuest is a story-based activity that exposes middle school students to the fun and relevance of science. It aims to teach middle school students physics concepts, but its overarching goal is to give them a positive experience with physics. Grade: 6th - 9th Deadline: Check website for details
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad comes in many shapes and sizes to fit your needs. At the K-6 level, try an Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) program, which can come in the form of a competitive tournament, a hands-on science Fun Day or an expert-filled Science Olympiad Fun Night. In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Grade: K - 12th Deadline: Varies
Siemens Competition
The nation's premier competition in math, science and technology. High school students submit innovative individual
and team research projects to regional and national levels of competition as they vie for college scholarships ranging
up to $100,000. Grade: 9th - 12th Deadline: August
Team America Rocketry Contest
Teams design, build and fly a model rocket that reaches a specific altitude and duration determined by a set of rules developed each year. The contest is designed to encourage students to study math and science and pursue careers in aerospace. Grade: 7th - 12th Deadline: December
You Be The Chemist Challenge
An interactive academic contest that encourages students in grades 5-8 to explore chemistry concepts and their real-world applications. The Challenge provides a unique opportunity for a variety of individuals and organizations to come together and show their support for STEM education. Grade: 5th - 8th Deadline: Varies by area
Young Scientist Challenge
Students, grades 5-8, are invited to create a 1-2 minute video describing a new, innovating solution that could solve an everyday problem. Ten finalists will be chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills. Grade: 5th - 8th Deadline: April
