8 Engineering Competitions for Middle School Students
For middle school students with a passion for engineering, competitions offer an exciting and intellectually stimulating way to put your skills to the test. It’s an opportunity for you to learn new concepts and prepare for future academic pursuits in relevant fields.
Competitions nurture innovation and creativity, providing practical applications of STEM concepts and a real-world relevance to classroom learning. Below, we’ve put together a list of 8 engineering competitions tailored specifically for middle school students.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $125 team registration fee
Prize: Various merchandise items and a trophy which, all together, will not exceed the value of $300 per Team Member in a group of no more than six (6) Team Members.
Competition Dates: January - May
Registration Deadline: May
Eligibility: Students aged 13 - 18
The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior is an engaging competition specifically tailored for middle school students who have a keen interest in engineering and technology. The competition hones your innovation and problem-solving skills within the context of computer science and technology and encourages you to channel their passion for engineering into creating solutions.
Through the competition, you will be required to submit creative solutions to our world’s biggest problems through the use of artificial intelligence. Students work in teams of one (1) to six (6) to develop an original concept addressing Microsoft’s AI for Good Initiatives and complete the Imagine Cup Junior PowerPoint submission template.
Participating in the Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior offers you a unique opportunity to apply your knowledge in a hands-on and practical manner. The competition is structured to encourage collaboration, enabling you to work in teams and learn how to combine their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve a common goal.
The Microsoft Imagine Cup Junior provides a supportive platform for students to showcase your ideas and projects to a global audience. This exposure not only boosts your confidence but also introduces you to the broader landscape of innovation in technology.
Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Prize: Grand Prize Winner $25,000 and Title of “America’s Top Young Scientist”; Top 10 Finalists $1,000 and Unique Summer Mentorship with a 3M Scientist
Competition Dates: December 7 - April 27
Registration Deadline: April 27
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-8
The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is an annual science competition in the United States for middle school students. It is a collaborative effort between Discovery Education, a leading provider of digital curriculum resources, and 3M, a global science and innovation company. The challenge aims to foster a passion for science and innovation among young students.
Participants in the Young Scientist Challenge are required to submit a video entry showcasing their innovative solutions to real-world problems. These solutions should align with one of the designated challenges, which often relate to issues in STEM. After the submission period, finalists are selected to participate in a unique summer mentorship program, during which they collaborate with 3M scientists to develop their projects.
The competition culminates in a final event where students present their projects to a panel of judges, competing for the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" and the opportunity to win various prizes, including a substantial monetary reward. To do well in this competition, carefully review the designated challenges and select one that aligns with your interests and expertise. Next, focus on conducting thorough research related to your chosen challenge, exploring innovative solutions, and staying updated on current developments in the field. Lastly, you will also need to be able to effectively communicate and articulate your ideas.
Location: Various
Cost: Varies per competition (ex: $6000 regional registration fee per team)
Prize: Various cash and scholarship prizes
Challenge Dates: Early January to April
Registration Deadline: December
Eligibility: 2-15 members (ages 12-18)
The FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) is an international competition that combines the sports with the rigor of science and technology. This annual competition brings together middle school students and mentors to design, build, and compete with large-scale robots. The competition format typically spans a six-week build season, during which teams collaborate to create their robots, followed by regional, national, and international events where the robots are put to the test in thrilling head-to-head matches.
FRC is known for being inclusive and welcoming to students from a wide range of backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities. Additionally, the competition is not typically considered to be highly selective in terms of team participation. However, its competitive nature can make it difficult to win awards and recognition in regional and national competitions, and winning is a great value add to your profile!
You can prepare for the competition by understanding the basics of coding languages like C and C++, mechanical design, and electronics. Joining a local robotics club or seeking mentorship from teachers with expertise in engineering and robotics can also be a good starting point. Additionally, hands-on experimentation with simple robotics kits or attending workshops on relevant topics can hone the necessary skills.
Toshiba Exploravision Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Prize: Multiple prizes are available depending on level with the top four teams receiving U.S. EE Savings Bond worth $10,000 at maturity for each student
Competition Dates:
January 31, 2024, Project Deadline
April 1, 2024, Regional Winners Are Announced
(Regional Winner Ceremonies will be held April 1-22 either in-person or virtually.)May 6, 2024 National Winners Are Announced
June 14-15, 2024 Anticipated In-Person ExploraVision Awards Weeken
Registration Deadline: January 31
Eligibility:
All participants must be United States or Canadian citizens and living within the United States, U.S. Territories or Canada and enrolled full-time in a public, private or homeschool
Students must be no older than 21 years of age
National Science Teachers Association employees, NSTA board members, ExploraVision judges and their respective families are not eligible to enter the competition
This annual competition, sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), challenges students to create futuristic solutions to real-world problems using science and technology.
You will begin by selecting a current technology and conducting in-depth research to understand its intricacies. The crux of the competition lies in your ability to envision the evolution of this chosen technology over the next two decades and contemplating its potential applications in addressing real-world issues. You collaborate with team members to develop innovative solutions and apply scientific concepts and engineering principles.This collective effort culminates in the creation of a comprehensive project, including a written report and visual components.
To prepare for this competition, you should stay updated on the latest technological advancements, engage in hands-on experiments, and form a team with like-minded peers who share your enthusiasm for engineering.. Through the competition, you get a chance to dive deep into research and hone your analytical skills.
Location: At the team’s school, unless invited to finals (Great Meadow, The Plains, VA)
Cost: The registration fee for a team to attend the 2024 National Finals is $350.
Prize: Monetary prizes that range from $500 to $20,000
Competition Dates: 7 April - 18 May
Registration Deadline: June 1 - December
Eligibility: Teams of 3-10 students currently enrolled in grades 6 through 12. The application for a team must come from a single school or a single U.S.- incorporated non-profit youth organization
The American Rocketry Challenge is an annual competition in the United States that challenges middle and high school students to design, build, and launch model rockets. Organized by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), this competition aims to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM.
The challenge involves teams of students who, guided by teachers or mentors, construct rockets based on specific design and performance criteria. These criteria often include altitude goals, payload capacity, and recovery system functionality. The rockets must adhere to strict safety and construction guidelines. The ultimate objective is to launch a rocket that meets the specified requirements and achieves the highest level of performance.
Participating in the American Rocketry Challenge provides you with hands-on experience in aerospace engineering, physics, and teamwork. Successful teams from regional competitions advance to the national finals, where they compete for various prizes, including scholarships and a chance to represent the United States at international rocketry competitions. To prepare, start by thoroughly reviewing the rules and guidelines of the American Rocketry Challenge. Understanding the specific requirements and constraints will provide a solid foundation for your rocket design. You should also familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of rocketry, including the different components of a rocket, the principles of aerodynamics, and the importance of stability.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Prize: Multiple prizes available at the regional, state, and national levels with the national winners winning U.S. Series EE Savings Bond purchased at the cumulative value of the State Award, Regional Finalist Award, and Regional Winner Award plus an additional $3,000 on the purchase date
Competition Dates: August - March
Registration Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
eCybermission is a competition designed specifically for middle school students, allowing you to engage in hands-on exploration and meaningful problem-solving. You get a chance to collaborate with like minded peers to address real-world challenges in your community. eCybermission fosters teamwork and critical thinking skills as you work collectively on STEM projects.
You will identify local issues that resonate with you, whether it's environmental concerns, community health, or technological advancements and come up with innovative solutions.
The objective is to conduct experiments and design projects that have a tangible impact. The competition also places a strong emphasis on mentorship, providing you with guidance from real-world scientists and engineers.This helps enhance your technical knowledge and exposes you to the practical applications of STEM in various fields.
eCybermission goes beyond traditional classroom learning, encouraging you to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply your scientific knowledge to solve problems. By participating in this competition, you not only enrich your understanding of STEM concepts but also develop essential skills that will serve you well in future academic and professional pursuits.
Location: Varies by region
Cost: $60 team registration fee
Prize: Various medals, trophies, and recognition
Competition Dates: Regional and state tournaments vary in dates but the national tournament will be held on May 24-25, 2024
Registration Deadline: Varies by competition
Eligibility:
6th to 9th graders
A team may have up to 15 members with a maximum of five 9th grade students per team.
The Science Olympiad is a competitive science tournament for middle and high school students. It aims to promote interest and excellence in science education through hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities. Teams of students prepare throughout the school year to compete in various events in engineering like optics, air trajectory, and towers.
In the Science Olympiad competitions, you participate in events that may involve building devices, conducting experiments, and solving problems. They are designed to test your knowledge, critical thinking, and practical application of scientific principles. The competition fosters teamwork, encourages creativity, and provides a platform for students to showcase their passion for science.
Science Olympiad tournaments occur at regional, state, and national levels, allowing you to progress through different stages. The program has a structured framework with a set of predetermined events for each competition, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive assessment of participants' scientific skills and knowledge. Examples of events include anatomy and physiology, forensics, dynamic planet, optics, and air trajectory.
To be better prepared for the competition, you should familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements of each event, make use of textbooks and online resources, engage in hands-on experiments, and practice your time management skills.
Location: Local competitions in your region; National Competition is in Washington DC
Cost: $25 registration fee
Prize: The top prize at the Finals is $7,500 for the organization’s STEM program plus a trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama for up to five team members (3 Team Members, 1 Educator and 1 Mentor) awarded by Bentley Systems.
Competition Dates: August - January
Registration Deadline: August
Eligibility: Middle school students with an interest in engineering
The Future City Competition is an educational initiative that challenges middle school students to envision, design, and build cities of the future. This annual competition, sponsored by DiscoverE and various engineering organizations, invites students to engage in a comprehensive project that integrates STEM) principles. The competition is designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and an understanding of the complexities involved in urban planning and engineering.
Participating teams in the Future City competition will create a detailed model of a future city based on a specific theme. Teams are required to design a virtual city using SimCity software, write a research essay that explores the theme in-depth, and construct a physical scale model of their city using recycled materials. The competition encourages students to think critically about issues such as sustainability, environmental impact, energy efficiency, and societal well-being.
The thematic focus changes annually, challenging students to tackle diverse global issues where students engage in extensive research to understand the theme, integrating scientific principles, technological innovations, and engineering solutions into their city design.
In addition to the technical aspects, the Future City competition places a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication skills. Teams must effectively communicate their ideas and solutions through presentations to a panel of judges, showcasing not only their technical proficiency but also their ability to articulate and defend their design choices.
Middle School students can start by building a foundation in data science with Veritas AI Trailblazers Program!
Founded by Harvard graduate students, Veritas AI Trailblazers Program teaches you the foundations of AI and data science through real world, collaborative projects. You can also work 1-1 with mentors from universities like Harvard, Stanford, CMU to build personalized, unique projects across various fields at the intersection of AI. Last year, we had over 1000 students learn AI with us. You can find the application form here!
Image source - First Robotics Challenge Logo
