8 STEM Competitions for Middle School Students
For middle school students with a passion for math and science, STEM competitions offer an exciting and intellectually stimulating way to put their skills to the test. It’s an opportunity for them to learn new concepts and prepare for future academic pursuits in their chosen fields.
Below, we’ve put together a list of eight STEM competitions tailored specifically for middle school students. Engaging in these competitions helps you go beyond classroom learning, providing you with the chance to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, enhance critical thinking skills, and develop a passion for innovation.
American Computing Science League Competition
Location: Virtual
Cost: $150 team registration
Prize: At the end of the regular season, top-scoring participants receive a certificate. For the ACSL Finals, the top-scoring students in each division will get a prize and a certificate.
Competition Dates: 4 contests available throughout the regular year:
Contest 1: available Nov. 1, 2023; closes Sunday January 14, 2024
Contest 2: available Jan. 2, 2024; closes Sunday March 3, 2024
Contest 3: available Feb. 5, 2024; closes Sunday April 7, 2024
Contest 4: available March 11, 2024; closes Sunday May 12, 2024
Registration Deadline: December 31
Eligibility: Middle school students who are enrolled in public, private, or home schools in the United States or abroad are eligible to participate in ACSL contests
The American Computer Science League (ACSL) Competition is an annual computer science contest for students in elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States and internationally. The competition covers a wide range of topics related to computer science, including algorithms, data structures, computer organization, artificial intelligence, and more.
ACSL competitions consist of a series of contests, each focusing on different aspects of computer science. These contests typically include solving problems, and demonstrating an understanding of various computational concepts. The problems presented often require creative thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging you to apply your knowledge in practical scenarios. In the upper divisions, these contests will include a coding component, where you’ll be required to solve a problem using Python, C++, or Java code, so make sure to brush up on one of these languages before attending the contest.
The ACSL competition offers different divisions based on students' grade levels, allowing you to compete against peers of similar age and experience. Successful teams and individuals may advance to higher levels of competition, such as the All-Star Contest. You can prepare for this competition by familiarizing yourself with the format, past problem sets, and sample contests and materials of the competition. Check out this ultimate guide to ACSL to help you get started!
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 1
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 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
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: App submission is virtual, Winners are invited to a reception in Washington DC
Cost: Free
Prize: Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the US Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov. Winning students are invited to #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C. Waived copyright registration application fees through the ARTS Act. Winning apps receive a press release on the Congressional App Challenge website.
Competition Dates: June 15 - November 1
Registration Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission.
The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition in the United States that encourages middle and high school students to engage with computer science and coding by developing original applications from scratch. The challenge is open to students from all congressional districts and students can register as individuals or as teams of up to four.
To create the app, you have the freedom to choose any platform, programming language, or device, allowing you to express your unique app ideas in a way that you’re comfortable.
To participate, begin by identifying a real-world problem in your community or beyond that could benefit from a technological solution. Whether you're envisioning an educational tool, an engaging game, or a practical utility app, the objective is to design and code an application that addresses the identified issue. Your entry will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, functionality, and the overall impact of your app.
As you prepare for the Congressional App Challenge, familiarize yourself with coding languages such as Python and app development platforms. Brainstorm potential project ideas in advance and ensure you're well-equipped to bring your app concept to life. This groundwork not only enhances your coding skills but also sets the stage for a rewarding experience as you navigate the exciting world of app development. If you’re a novice coder, you can check out their partnerships with The Coding School and Swift by Apple education, offering free coding resources to help guide your coding journey.
Location: Virtual
Cost: $125 team registration fee
Prize: Certificate
Competition Dates: May 25
Registration Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Middle school students in teams of 4-5 students
The National Biology Bowl is the premier team competition in biology and life science for middle school students in America. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and aims to promote science education and encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The competition takes place virtually, on Zoom, on the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend.
Teams from different middle schools participate in regional competitions, with top-performing teams advancing to the national level. The National Biology Bowl covers all important topics in biology, including cell biology and genetics, human physiology, animals, plants, evolution, behavior and ecology. The competition follows the quiz bowl format, with 4-5 students on each team. After round-robin rounds, a single-elimination playoff tournament determines the champion and the top 8 schools in the country.
You can prepare for this competition by reviewing key biology concepts and reading through textbooks, online resources, and educational apps to gain a well-rounded understanding of the subject. Be sure to also practice with sample quiz questions or participate in mock quiz bowl sessions.
Location: Various
Cost: $5000 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, often referred to as FRC, is a well known international competition that combines the excitement of sports with the rigor of science and technology. Founded by Dean Kamen, this annual competition brings together middle school students and mentors to design, build, and compete with large-scale robots. Each year, FRC announces a new challenge with specific game objectives that the participating teams must solve by designing and constructing a unique robot. 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.
In terms of selectivity, FRC is known for being inclusive and welcoming to students from a wide range of backgrounds, experience levels, and abilities. Teams come from diverse communities and educational settings, including schools, community organizations, and even homeschooled groups. 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.
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: All 6th to 9th graders in middle school: You will be organized in teams. A team may have up to fifteen (15) members. A maximum of five (5) 9th grade students is permitted on a team. Because middle schools that do not have grades 7, 8 or 9 are at a slight disadvantage, they may invite any combination of up to five (5) of their last year's 6th, 7th or 8th grade students to be part of the 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 that cover a wide range of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering.
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.
AMC 8 (American Mathematics Competition)
Location: Student’s school
Cost: $74 registration fee
Prize: The five top scorers on the AMC 8 in the U.S. will split the D. E. Shaw Group AMC 8 Award of $5,000.
Competition Dates: January 18 - January 24
Registration Deadline: August to January
Eligibility: A student must be in grade 8 or below and also under 14.5 years of age on the day of the competition.
The AMC 8 is a mathematics competition in the United States for middle school students. It is organized by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) and is one of a series of contests leading to the USA Mathematical Olympiad.
The competition consists of 25 multiple-choice questions, and you will have a total of 40 minutes to complete the exam. The questions cover a range of mathematical topics, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and number theory. The AMC 8 is typically taken by students in grades 6, 7, and 8. It serves as an excellent opportunity for students to test their mathematical abilities in a competitive setting and is widely recognized as a prestigious math competition. High-performing students on the AMC 8 may be invited to participate in other mathematical competitions, further advancing their exploration of mathematics at a higher level.
To prepare for this competition, start by reviewing fundamental mathematical concepts such as algebra and geometry, and making sure you’re completely thorough with them. Utilize resources such as past AMC 8 papers, practice exams, and online problem-solving platforms to familiarize yourself with the competition format and level of difficulty. Keep in mind that consistent and focused practice, coupled with a positive attitude toward problem-solving, will help you build the skills and confidence needed to perform well on the AMC 8.
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 students in grades 5 through 8. 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 the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (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 in STEM). Next, focus on conducting thorough research related to your chosen challenge, exploring innovative solutions, and staying updated on current developments in the field. Develop effective communication skills, as being able to articulate your ideas clearly is crucial for the video submission. You should also familiarize yourself with past winning entries to gain insights into successful approaches. Be sure to engage in hands-on experiments and prototype development to enhance your project's feasibility!
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Image Source: American Computing Science League Competition Logo