- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Programs & Services
- Events & Activities
- STEM Design Challenge
Elementary & Middle School
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Programs & Services
- Events & Activities
- Online Learning
- Student Supports
- Summer Camps

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A Team Challenge
The STEM Design Challenge is for small teams of 4th - 8th graders who are challenged to brainstorm, develop, and implement a solution to an engineering problem using various building materials.
Equipping Teachers
At the heart of the program is a teacher training workshop to prepare teacher coaches for the year's competition.
Workforce Partners as Judges
On competition day, scientists, engineers, technicians and specialists from Chester County workforce partners serve as judges, bridging the connection between K-12 and the STEM workforce.
2021 Challenge
Over the past 6 months, we have all spent a lot of time in our home. You may have discovered that some products or appliances in your home could be safer or more environmentally friendly. Thermo Fisher Scientific is working to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer so they are asking you to rethink a product that you would find in your home, or create one that you should find in your home. This product could be (but not limited to) a new or different way to power your home, a new or updated appliance, or a new gadget for home entertainment. Be creative!
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March 12, 2021
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM STEM Design Challenge Virtual Competition
Get Involved
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At the heart of the program is a teacher-training workshop to prepare teacher coaches for this year's competition.
4-5 Grade Division Coach Training
6-8 Grade Division Coach Training
NOTE: Please register in both divisions if you coach teams in both levels. Registration for the training is required in order to be entered into the competition and register your teams.
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We are looking for individuals with a science, technology, engineering, math, and educational background to serve as virtual judges between March 5 - 10, 2021 for the annual STEM Design Challenge competition.
Please use this form to RVSP your availability to serve as a judge for the 2021 Competition.
K’Nex Kits
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No new K'nex kits will be distributed this year. K'nex and recyclable materials may be used in the creation of the design. Lego's may not be used.
Judging Criteria
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- Creativity
- Teamwork
- Challenge Success
- Design
- Presentation
Awards
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- Awards will be given to top three teams in grades 4-5 and grades 6-8
- Additional prizes may be awarded (best blueprint, most creative, etc.)
- First-place winners in each division will advance to the virtual state competition that will be held in May. Date to be announced.
Resources
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4-5 & 6-8 Level Scoring Rubric
The same rubric will be used for both levels. Notable changes to the rubric are Journals will now be an Engineering Design Notebook. The Inventory/Budget requirement is being removed from the Middle School level.