Elementary & Middle School

  • 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.

    2023 Challenge

    Major environmental issues including climate change and pollution are currently facing our world. Your team is being tasked to research environmental issues, identify one that your team would like to address, and create a solution to that issue. Build a prototype out of K’Nex that supports your solution. 
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Sponsored by:

  • Thermo Fisher logo

K’Nex Kits

  • Teams may use up to 1400 pieces. Any pieces, as long as they are K’Nex, may be used. String, tape, and rubber bands are permitted.

Judging Criteria

    • Creativity
    • Teamwork
    • Challenge Success
    • Design
    • Presentation

Awards

    • 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 state competition that will be held in May in Harrisburg, PA Date and location to be announced.

Resources