You are listening to episode 24 of the Ready, Set, Science Podcast. On today’s episode we are talking about STEM competitions. There are numerous STEM competitions and events designed specifically for middle and high school students. These competitions offer opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills, engage in hands-on learning, and often compete at regional, national, or even international levels. Participating in STEM competitions can be a great way for students to explore their interests, build problem-solving skills, and potentially earn scholarships or recognition. 

Here are some notable STEM competitions for middle and high school students:

• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC): FRC is a high school-level robotics competition that challenges teams of students to design, build, and program robots to complete specific tasks. It emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world engineering skills.

  • FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC): FTC is another robotics competition, but it is designed for middle and high school students. Teams build and program robots to complete a series of challenges on a smaller scale than FRC.

• Science Olympiad: Science Olympiad is a team-based competition that covers various scientific disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Students compete in events that test their knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

  • Math Olympiads: Math competitions like the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) and the USA Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO) are challenging contests for students who excel in math. They involve complex problem-solving and proof-writing.

• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF): ISEF is a prestigious science fair for high school students. Participants showcase their independent research projects and compete for scholarships and recognition.

• VEX Robotics Competition: This is another robotics competition for middle and high school students. It involves designing, building, and controlling robots to compete in various games and challenges.

• eCyberMission: A web-based STEM competition for middle school students that focuses on solving real-world problems in the areas of environment, energy, and health.

• Future City Competition: Future City challenges middle school students to design and build a virtual city using SimCity software. They also write essays and deliver presentations on their designs.

• Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision: This competition encourages students to imagine and create technologies of the future. Participants research and develop innovative ideas for solving real-world problems.

• MATHCOUNTS: A math competition for middle school students in the United States. It focuses on mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking.

• American Computer Science League (ACSL): ACSL offers computer science competitions for students in various grade levels, including middle and high school. Competitions cover topics like programming and computer algorithms.

• Space Colony Competition: Submit your design for a habitat on the Moon or Mars that can keep a crew alive and happy! The Space Colony Competition is open to any team of up to 6 elementary or middle school students. Learn about the challenges of living in space, research and design a colony, and build a 3D model using recycled materials. Then, upload a video and presentation for a chance to win prizes, get feedback from real STEM professionals, and compete with students around the world!

Pennsylvania Specific Competitions:

• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences: The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is divided into 12 PJAS regions. Each PJAS region consists of two or more counties. Every PJAS region has one or more directors and a treasurer who oversee the operation of the region. PJAS also has a State Director, a State Secretary, and  two State Treasurers as well as committees for Judging, Safety, Technicians, and Awards.

• Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR): PSBR has an essay, poster and digital media contest open to any student in grades 6-12.  

These are just a few examples of STEM competitions available to middle and high school students. Participating in such events not only enhances students' STEM skills but also fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and a passion for science and technology. Students who excel in these competitions often have opportunities for scholarships, internships, and recognition in the STEM community.

So now that we know what opportunities are available to students, how do we get them involved?

• Identify Their Interests: Start by understanding the specific areas of STEM that interest each student. Some may be more inclined towards robotics, while others might prefer coding or science experiments. Tailoring their involvement to their interests can make the experience more engaging.

• Stick with Local Competitions: Look for STEM competitions and events in your local area. There are often regional, state, or even national competitions that middle school students can participate in. This could include robotics competitions, science fairs, or coding contests.

• Create a STEM Club: Establish a STEM club within the school or community where students can collaborate, share ideas, and work on projects together. This provides a supportive environment for them to explore STEM concepts and prepare for competitions.

• Provide Resources and Support: Offer access to resources like books, online courses, and educational tools that can help students prepare for competitions. Also, connect them with mentors or teachers who can provide guidance and support as they work on their projects.

• Encourage Teamwork: Many STEM competitions are team-based, and collaboration is a crucial skill. Encourage students to work together on projects, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills. This not only enhances their STEM knowledge but also their ability to work effectively with others.

Remember that the goal is to make STEM competitions a fun and educational experience for middle school students. By aligning their interests, providing support and resources, and promoting teamwork, you can help them develop a passion for STEM that may last a lifetime.

If you or your students participate in these or any other STEM competitions, please head over to instagram and let me know about it. Don’t forget that all of the links and other information about STEM competitions are in my show notes.

Thanks for listening!

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