Calendar of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Events and Contests
Click on the links below to find out more!!! Most of these contests occur every year. Most are free, some have a small fee. (Last updated August 2014 - but more updates needed)
November
ThinkFest (October 25, 2014)
Don’t miss THINKFEST 2014, October 25th at Merrimack College in N. Andover. Free hands on science activities. Earn prizes! (SEE FLYER, See the list of activities) ALL AGES!
NaNoWriMo (Write a novel November 1 through November 31, 2014)
Take the challenge and write a novel in November during National Novel Writing Month! I have had students complete this challenge and you can too!
Splash at Amherst College (November 2014 tentative Amherst College)
In one day at Amherst College, local middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat boxing, all taught by college students! $10 fee includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
Chain Reaction Event at the MIT Museum (The Friday after Thanksgiving)
What is the Friday After Thanksgiving? A grand event that could only happen at MIT! Participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – set off at the end as the event's thrilling culmination. 1,500 people from all over watch and participate in this fun-for-all-ages "extreme" event.
Can anybody do it? Of course! Participants range from Girl Scout troops to artists and engineers, from MIT clubs to high schools and family teams. Teams have come from as far away as Michigan and California!
December
Birchland Park Future City Presentations (December 2014)
Future City School Presentations (early December)
Future City presentations will take place after school in Ms. Collins room
Future City Sim City due (early December)
Future City Essay due (Before Holiday vacation)
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (December deadline tentative)
Students may submit art and writing in many different categories to compete for scholarships. There is also a video game design category and a film and animation category. For students in 7th - 12th grade.
January 2015
Young Playwrights National Play Writing Competition (Deadline is January 2015 tentative)
DO THE WRITE THING. Pick up a pencil and write a play. Young Playwrights Inc. will give you a place to be heard. Your play will be read and evaluated in writing by a theater professional; selected writers will come to New York for our Young Playwrights Conference to work with some of this country's most exciting theater artists. Who knows, your play might even be produced Off Broadway in the Young Playwrights Festival! So, do the write thing: write a play and make yourself heard. The power is in your hands. For anyone 18 years old or younger.
Grow Your Own Business Challenge (Deadline is January 2015 tentative))
They are looking for business ideas from budding young entrepreneurs 7 to 14! Enter your ideas today in the 3rdAnnual "Grow Your Own Business Challenge," sponsored by the Fairholme Foundation. The grand prize is $5,000 plus a chance to meet Mr. Buffett.
Letters About Literature (Deadline is January 2015 tentative))
Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-8. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year.
Future City Regional Competition (January 2015 tentative))
Join the Birchland Park Future City Club and compete at Northeastern University In Boston. Students learn about engineering and design a futuristic city.
The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition (January 2015 tentative))
From water fountains to hearing aids to nanotubes, your teams will choose a technology that is relevant to the world today and then explore what it does, how it works and how, when and why it was invented. Then your teams will imagine their chosen technology 20 years from now and prepare an in-depth report that conveys their visions to others.
February 2014 & Ongoing
Engineering Encounters: Bridge Design Contest (deadline for opening round is May 2015 tentative))
The Engineering Encounters Bridge Design Contest, formerly the West Point Bridge Design Contest, is an Internet-based competition that provides middle school and high school students with a realistic, engaging introduction to engineering. Students may work alone or in pairs to design their bridges. The goal is to design the least expensive bridge that will safely carry a load. The software is loaded on all my classroom computers and is availaible for free download online. BPMS students are welcome to work on their bridges in my classroom during tutorial (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). We will also meet after school on Thursdays, during the month of February, to work on our bridges.
Kids Philosophy Slam (March 2015 tentative)
The middle school age category may write prose, poetry, or write an essay of 500 words or less, answering the philosophical question: "Truth or Beauty, which has a greater impact on society? " Essays may be based upon personal experiences, observations or through research and historical context. Judging will be based on the following criteria: Originality and creativity, strength of philosophical argument, spelling and grammar. A national winner will be chosen from each grade. A national musical winner will also be selected.
Promising Young Writer Program (February 2015 tentative)
National Council of Teachers of English contest to support the development of writing. The school-based writing program was established in 1985 to stimulate and recognize student's writing talents and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students. Students who are eighth-graders in the present academic school year are eligible to be nominated for the Promising Young Writers program. Students must be nominated by their teachers.
Reel Math Challenge (March 2015 tentative)
The MATHCOUNTS Video Contest will have teams of four middle school students create a video based on a MATHCOUNTS math problem. Students use creativity and communication skills in a math setting. Videos are posted online for voting and prizes are awarded to the most popular videos.
March
Engineering For You Video Contest (deadline for submissions is March 2015 tentative)
What? Create a 1 to 2 minute video showing engineering contributions that serve human welfare and the needs of society occurring anywhere during the time period from 1964 to 2064.
Who? The competition is open to individuals or teams in six competition categories.
Prizes? The “Best Video Overall” will be awarded $25,000. There’s a “People’s Choice Award” of $5,000 and the top videos in each competition category are eligible for a prize of up to $5,000.
Judging? (1) Creativity in the content selection & presentation; (2) Anticipated breadth of public appeal & interest; (3) Effectiveness in highlighting engineering contributions serving human welfare & the needs of society.
Johns Hopkins CTY Scholars (March 2015 tentative deadline for current 7th graders)
The Johns Hopkins CTY Scholars Program is the signature scholarship initiative of The Center for Talented Youth. Their mission is to identify high potential 8th grade students from low and moderate income families and from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The scholarship prepares these students for top levels of academic achievement and leadership through participation in rigorous summer programs, distance education courses, a mentoring program, and academic support provided by a personal educational advisor. To fulfill this mission, the Johns Hopkins CTY Scholar, together with his or her parents, will participate in several activities and programs over the next four years.
Engineer Girl Writing Contest (March 2015 tentative)
In honor of the NAE’s 50th anniversary, we invite you to imagine how engineering might change our lives over the next 50 years, in one of the following areas:
March/April 2015
Spark at MIT (Register in March. Classes fill up.)
Program Vitals for Spark
What: A Saturday in which you can take classes on a variety of subjects.
When: March 2015 tentative.
Who: Students in grades 7-8.
Where: On the MIT campus.
Cost: $30 (generous financial aid available)
Courses: Last year’s catalog is available here. Note that the exact classes offered from year to year change, and most classes offered last year will probably not be offered again, but the general topic distribution will remain similar.
Spark is a short program designed to give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. MIT students and community members teach a variety of classes, from urban orienteering to mathematics to Chinese brush painting and everything in between!
Kids Are Authors (Deadline March 2015 tentative)
Kids Are Authors is an annual competition open to students in grades K–8 in the United States and is designed to encourage students to use their reading, writing, and artistic skills.
Under the guidance of a project coordinator, children work in teams of three or more students to write and illustrate their own book. The creative process of working in teams helps provide a natural environment to practice editing, teamwork, and communication skills necessary for future success. All students involved get a sense of pride and accomplishment from submitting the team project.
One Grand-Prize winning book will be published in each of these categories: Fiction and Nonfiction. The winning books will be published by Scholastic and sold at Book Fairs throughout the country.
First Amendment Cartoon Contest (tentative deadline is in March )
Last year's theme and info: Free Expression through the “rights of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” These rights are particularly significant in this an era of protest both in the United States and around the world. All students nationwide—elementary, middle and high school—are invited to submit a cartoon illustrating one or more of the principles of Right to Peaceably Assemble | Right to Petition for a Redress of Grievances
If you are creative and like to draw, this is your chance to illustrate principles of freedom and perhaps win a prize! Submissions will be judged on the basis of content, artistic quality, and creativity. Six winners will each receive a $50* prize, and will be showcased on the Judges, Courts and the Law web site.
Jack Kent Cook Young Scholars Program (The Phase One deadline is in late March)
An amazing scholarship opportunity for 7th graders! They select exceptional students with financial need and provide them with individualized educational opportunities and advising throughout their educational career. The application deadline is in April.
Doodle 4 Google (tentative deadline is in March)
Doodle 4 Google is an annual program that invites K-12 students in the United States to use their artistic talents to think big and redesign the Google homepage logo for millions to see. This year, they ask students to exercise their creative imaginations around the theme, “My Best Day Ever…” One talented student artist will see their artwork appear on the Google homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship, and a $50,000 technology grant for their school along with some other cool prizes!
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day Poetry Contest (tentative March deadline)
Entries are judged based upon relevance to and incorporation of the theme “Our Earth: Handle with Care!”, word choice and imagery, colorful artwork, adherence to poem style, originality and creativity, and overall presentation.
NASA Essay Contest (April 2015 tentative deadline)
The contest is open to students in grades 5-12. You can work alone or in a team of up to four students. Learn about these targets and then pick the one you want to write about in an essay no longer than 500 words. There will be a winner for each topic in each age category (grade 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12).
Amherst Splash (Tentative April )
In one day at Amherst College, local middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat boxing, all taught by college students! $10 includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
Kavli Science Video Contest (deadline is March 2015 tentative)
might just be discovering ways to make them become real!
Investigate how science is portrayed in TV, films, and games. Find an example using a film, TV show, or video game, then compare to what we can do today with current or emerging technologies. Or tell us what science needs to discover to make it really happen.
Make a video (30 to 90 seconds long) that shares your discoveries and states your case.
Engineering Poster Contest (April 2015 tentative)
The theme for the EESC’s 2013 poster contest is Engineering Innovation. You may enter up to three times. Posters should be fun, motivational, and inspire students to pursue a degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or any other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field. Parents may enter on behalf of their children.
Girls STEM Summit-East
A one-day summit for girls in grades 8 - 12 who love STEM: science,technology, engineering, and math.
Girls will:
- listen to an inspirational keynote female leader
- meet successful women working as experts in STEM fields during hands-on career workshops
- expand knowledge of STEM industries and emerging career paths
- be inspired to continue STEM high school courses in preparation for college
- learn about institutions offering STEM degrees in featured career tracks
- receive giveaway, enjoy lunch, and meet other girls with similar interests
When: Saturday, April 2015 tentative, 8 AM - 4 PM, Where: MIT, Cambridge, MA, Fee: $45
Rubber Band Contest (Tentative April deadline)
Design and create a working invention that incorporates at least one rubber band.
Discovery Education: Young Scientist's (Video) Challenge (tentative April deadline)
In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8, and must submit a video entry online. Students may only work as individuals, team entries are not permitted.
Students will be challenged to create a one- to two-minute video that explains their idea for a NEW invention intended to solve an everyday problem. Video entries must be related to how we live, how we work, or how we play.
Cambridge Science Festival (tentative April)
Science exhibits and events take place in many locations in Cambridge Massachusetts
2014 National STEM Video Game Challenge (tentative April )
The National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition that aims to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games. Join the new faces of game design and start designing today!
Purple Comet Math Meet (tentative April)
A team math challenge for advanced middle school and high school students. Teams need a teacher mentor. It's best to start practicing in January to be ready for the math challenge in April.
May/June 2014
Scratch Day MIT 2014: (tentative May)
At this bring-your-own-laptop event for young people, teachers, and parents have opportunities to: meet, mix, and mingle with other Scratchers; share Scratch creations and collaborate on new creations; learn more about Scratch - from small tips and tricks to big ideas
Who: Everyone; Where: MIT Media Lab, 75 Amherst Street, Cambridge; Cost: $10
Playwright Discovery Competition (tentative June)
The VSA Playwright Discovery Competition invites middle school students to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others, and express their views through the art of script writing. Writers may write from their own experience and observations, or create fictional characters and settings. Scripts can be comedies, dramas, or even musicals—be creative! Young writers with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration by a group of up to 5 students. A distinguished jury of theater professionals selects one winner. The winner will receive a cash prize for his/her school and will have their script published in the VSA Playwright Discovery booklet.
Science Cartoon Contest (tentative - no announcement yet)
The 2013 Science and Democracy Editorial Cartoon Contest. They are seeking your creative take on the important role science should play in American democracy—and the barriers that get in the way. Deadline was July 1. People of any age may enter.
Last Summer 2013
Google Maker Camp (July 2015 tentative)
Sign up today for a free virtual summer camp for teens. Create hands-on projects and share them online.
Torrance Legacy Visual Arts Awards (August 2015 tentative)
Students may submit photographs of any 2D or 3D visual art, including without limitation painting, collage, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, or other related work. Submissions may focus on one of the following creative themes: Let Humor Flow, Keep open to the Snow, Digging Deeper, Lessons from Nature, Overcoming Obstacles, and Standing Alone. Students are encouraged to freely interpret these themes. Please note that you must submit a photographic representation of your work of art. Each student may submit only one submission for the category of 2D or 3D art or both. Open to students in 2nd-12th Grade.
Torrance Legacy Writing Contest (August 2015 tentative)
ACCEPTED GENRES: Poetry and short story submissions may focus on one of the following creative themes: Let Humor Flow; Keep Open to the Snow; Digging Deeper; Overcoming Obstacles; Lessons from Nature; and Standing Alone. Students are encouraged to freely interpret these themes. Please note that there is a 1,250 word limit for stories. There is no prescribed word limit for poems. Only one story and/or one poem will be accepted from each student.
November
ThinkFest (October 25, 2014)
Don’t miss THINKFEST 2014, October 25th at Merrimack College in N. Andover. Free hands on science activities. Earn prizes! (SEE FLYER, See the list of activities) ALL AGES!
NaNoWriMo (Write a novel November 1 through November 31, 2014)
Take the challenge and write a novel in November during National Novel Writing Month! I have had students complete this challenge and you can too!
Splash at Amherst College (November 2014 tentative Amherst College)
In one day at Amherst College, local middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat boxing, all taught by college students! $10 fee includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
Chain Reaction Event at the MIT Museum (The Friday after Thanksgiving)
What is the Friday After Thanksgiving? A grand event that could only happen at MIT! Participants link their mini chain reactions together forming one mega chain reaction – set off at the end as the event's thrilling culmination. 1,500 people from all over watch and participate in this fun-for-all-ages "extreme" event.
Can anybody do it? Of course! Participants range from Girl Scout troops to artists and engineers, from MIT clubs to high schools and family teams. Teams have come from as far away as Michigan and California!
December
Birchland Park Future City Presentations (December 2014)
Future City School Presentations (early December)
Future City presentations will take place after school in Ms. Collins room
Future City Sim City due (early December)
Future City Essay due (Before Holiday vacation)
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (December deadline tentative)
Students may submit art and writing in many different categories to compete for scholarships. There is also a video game design category and a film and animation category. For students in 7th - 12th grade.
January 2015
Young Playwrights National Play Writing Competition (Deadline is January 2015 tentative)
DO THE WRITE THING. Pick up a pencil and write a play. Young Playwrights Inc. will give you a place to be heard. Your play will be read and evaluated in writing by a theater professional; selected writers will come to New York for our Young Playwrights Conference to work with some of this country's most exciting theater artists. Who knows, your play might even be produced Off Broadway in the Young Playwrights Festival! So, do the write thing: write a play and make yourself heard. The power is in your hands. For anyone 18 years old or younger.
Grow Your Own Business Challenge (Deadline is January 2015 tentative))
They are looking for business ideas from budding young entrepreneurs 7 to 14! Enter your ideas today in the 3rdAnnual "Grow Your Own Business Challenge," sponsored by the Fairholme Foundation. The grand prize is $5,000 plus a chance to meet Mr. Buffett.
Letters About Literature (Deadline is January 2015 tentative))
Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for students in grades 4-8. Students are asked to read a book, poem or speech and write to that author (living or dead) about how the book affected them personally. Letters are judged on state and national levels. Tens of thousands of students from across the country enter Letters About Literature each year.
Future City Regional Competition (January 2015 tentative))
Join the Birchland Park Future City Club and compete at Northeastern University In Boston. Students learn about engineering and design a futuristic city.
The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition (January 2015 tentative))
From water fountains to hearing aids to nanotubes, your teams will choose a technology that is relevant to the world today and then explore what it does, how it works and how, when and why it was invented. Then your teams will imagine their chosen technology 20 years from now and prepare an in-depth report that conveys their visions to others.
February 2014 & Ongoing
Engineering Encounters: Bridge Design Contest (deadline for opening round is May 2015 tentative))
The Engineering Encounters Bridge Design Contest, formerly the West Point Bridge Design Contest, is an Internet-based competition that provides middle school and high school students with a realistic, engaging introduction to engineering. Students may work alone or in pairs to design their bridges. The goal is to design the least expensive bridge that will safely carry a load. The software is loaded on all my classroom computers and is availaible for free download online. BPMS students are welcome to work on their bridges in my classroom during tutorial (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). We will also meet after school on Thursdays, during the month of February, to work on our bridges.
Kids Philosophy Slam (March 2015 tentative)
The middle school age category may write prose, poetry, or write an essay of 500 words or less, answering the philosophical question: "Truth or Beauty, which has a greater impact on society? " Essays may be based upon personal experiences, observations or through research and historical context. Judging will be based on the following criteria: Originality and creativity, strength of philosophical argument, spelling and grammar. A national winner will be chosen from each grade. A national musical winner will also be selected.
Promising Young Writer Program (February 2015 tentative)
National Council of Teachers of English contest to support the development of writing. The school-based writing program was established in 1985 to stimulate and recognize student's writing talents and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students. Students who are eighth-graders in the present academic school year are eligible to be nominated for the Promising Young Writers program. Students must be nominated by their teachers.
Reel Math Challenge (March 2015 tentative)
The MATHCOUNTS Video Contest will have teams of four middle school students create a video based on a MATHCOUNTS math problem. Students use creativity and communication skills in a math setting. Videos are posted online for voting and prizes are awarded to the most popular videos.
March
Engineering For You Video Contest (deadline for submissions is March 2015 tentative)
What? Create a 1 to 2 minute video showing engineering contributions that serve human welfare and the needs of society occurring anywhere during the time period from 1964 to 2064.
Who? The competition is open to individuals or teams in six competition categories.
Prizes? The “Best Video Overall” will be awarded $25,000. There’s a “People’s Choice Award” of $5,000 and the top videos in each competition category are eligible for a prize of up to $5,000.
Judging? (1) Creativity in the content selection & presentation; (2) Anticipated breadth of public appeal & interest; (3) Effectiveness in highlighting engineering contributions serving human welfare & the needs of society.
Johns Hopkins CTY Scholars (March 2015 tentative deadline for current 7th graders)
The Johns Hopkins CTY Scholars Program is the signature scholarship initiative of The Center for Talented Youth. Their mission is to identify high potential 8th grade students from low and moderate income families and from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The scholarship prepares these students for top levels of academic achievement and leadership through participation in rigorous summer programs, distance education courses, a mentoring program, and academic support provided by a personal educational advisor. To fulfill this mission, the Johns Hopkins CTY Scholar, together with his or her parents, will participate in several activities and programs over the next four years.
Engineer Girl Writing Contest (March 2015 tentative)
In honor of the NAE’s 50th anniversary, we invite you to imagine how engineering might change our lives over the next 50 years, in one of the following areas:
- Nutrition
- Health
- Communication
- Education
- Transportation
- Grades 6–8: about 600 to 800 words
March/April 2015
Spark at MIT (Register in March. Classes fill up.)
Program Vitals for Spark
What: A Saturday in which you can take classes on a variety of subjects.
When: March 2015 tentative.
Who: Students in grades 7-8.
Where: On the MIT campus.
Cost: $30 (generous financial aid available)
Courses: Last year’s catalog is available here. Note that the exact classes offered from year to year change, and most classes offered last year will probably not be offered again, but the general topic distribution will remain similar.
Spark is a short program designed to give students the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. MIT students and community members teach a variety of classes, from urban orienteering to mathematics to Chinese brush painting and everything in between!
Kids Are Authors (Deadline March 2015 tentative)
Kids Are Authors is an annual competition open to students in grades K–8 in the United States and is designed to encourage students to use their reading, writing, and artistic skills.
Under the guidance of a project coordinator, children work in teams of three or more students to write and illustrate their own book. The creative process of working in teams helps provide a natural environment to practice editing, teamwork, and communication skills necessary for future success. All students involved get a sense of pride and accomplishment from submitting the team project.
One Grand-Prize winning book will be published in each of these categories: Fiction and Nonfiction. The winning books will be published by Scholastic and sold at Book Fairs throughout the country.
First Amendment Cartoon Contest (tentative deadline is in March )
Last year's theme and info: Free Expression through the “rights of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” These rights are particularly significant in this an era of protest both in the United States and around the world. All students nationwide—elementary, middle and high school—are invited to submit a cartoon illustrating one or more of the principles of Right to Peaceably Assemble | Right to Petition for a Redress of Grievances
If you are creative and like to draw, this is your chance to illustrate principles of freedom and perhaps win a prize! Submissions will be judged on the basis of content, artistic quality, and creativity. Six winners will each receive a $50* prize, and will be showcased on the Judges, Courts and the Law web site.
Jack Kent Cook Young Scholars Program (The Phase One deadline is in late March)
An amazing scholarship opportunity for 7th graders! They select exceptional students with financial need and provide them with individualized educational opportunities and advising throughout their educational career. The application deadline is in April.
Doodle 4 Google (tentative deadline is in March)
Doodle 4 Google is an annual program that invites K-12 students in the United States to use their artistic talents to think big and redesign the Google homepage logo for millions to see. This year, they ask students to exercise their creative imaginations around the theme, “My Best Day Ever…” One talented student artist will see their artwork appear on the Google homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship, and a $50,000 technology grant for their school along with some other cool prizes!
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day Poetry Contest (tentative March deadline)
Entries are judged based upon relevance to and incorporation of the theme “Our Earth: Handle with Care!”, word choice and imagery, colorful artwork, adherence to poem style, originality and creativity, and overall presentation.
NASA Essay Contest (April 2015 tentative deadline)
The contest is open to students in grades 5-12. You can work alone or in a team of up to four students. Learn about these targets and then pick the one you want to write about in an essay no longer than 500 words. There will be a winner for each topic in each age category (grade 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12).
Amherst Splash (Tentative April )
In one day at Amherst College, local middle and high school students learn anything from Masks of the World to How People Make Money to Harry Potter: A Chamber of Secrets to Instant Chinese to Beat boxing, all taught by college students! $10 includes course supplies and lunch. Scholarships are available.
Kavli Science Video Contest (deadline is March 2015 tentative)
might just be discovering ways to make them become real!
Investigate how science is portrayed in TV, films, and games. Find an example using a film, TV show, or video game, then compare to what we can do today with current or emerging technologies. Or tell us what science needs to discover to make it really happen.
Make a video (30 to 90 seconds long) that shares your discoveries and states your case.
Engineering Poster Contest (April 2015 tentative)
The theme for the EESC’s 2013 poster contest is Engineering Innovation. You may enter up to three times. Posters should be fun, motivational, and inspire students to pursue a degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or any other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field. Parents may enter on behalf of their children.
Girls STEM Summit-East
A one-day summit for girls in grades 8 - 12 who love STEM: science,technology, engineering, and math.
Girls will:
- listen to an inspirational keynote female leader
- meet successful women working as experts in STEM fields during hands-on career workshops
- expand knowledge of STEM industries and emerging career paths
- be inspired to continue STEM high school courses in preparation for college
- learn about institutions offering STEM degrees in featured career tracks
- receive giveaway, enjoy lunch, and meet other girls with similar interests
When: Saturday, April 2015 tentative, 8 AM - 4 PM, Where: MIT, Cambridge, MA, Fee: $45
Rubber Band Contest (Tentative April deadline)
Design and create a working invention that incorporates at least one rubber band.
Discovery Education: Young Scientist's (Video) Challenge (tentative April deadline)
In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8, and must submit a video entry online. Students may only work as individuals, team entries are not permitted.
Students will be challenged to create a one- to two-minute video that explains their idea for a NEW invention intended to solve an everyday problem. Video entries must be related to how we live, how we work, or how we play.
Cambridge Science Festival (tentative April)
Science exhibits and events take place in many locations in Cambridge Massachusetts
2014 National STEM Video Game Challenge (tentative April )
The National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition that aims to motivate interest in STEM learning among America’s youth by tapping into students’ natural passion for playing and making video games. Join the new faces of game design and start designing today!
Purple Comet Math Meet (tentative April)
A team math challenge for advanced middle school and high school students. Teams need a teacher mentor. It's best to start practicing in January to be ready for the math challenge in April.
May/June 2014
Scratch Day MIT 2014: (tentative May)
At this bring-your-own-laptop event for young people, teachers, and parents have opportunities to: meet, mix, and mingle with other Scratchers; share Scratch creations and collaborate on new creations; learn more about Scratch - from small tips and tricks to big ideas
Who: Everyone; Where: MIT Media Lab, 75 Amherst Street, Cambridge; Cost: $10
Playwright Discovery Competition (tentative June)
The VSA Playwright Discovery Competition invites middle school students to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others, and express their views through the art of script writing. Writers may write from their own experience and observations, or create fictional characters and settings. Scripts can be comedies, dramas, or even musicals—be creative! Young writers with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration by a group of up to 5 students. A distinguished jury of theater professionals selects one winner. The winner will receive a cash prize for his/her school and will have their script published in the VSA Playwright Discovery booklet.
Science Cartoon Contest (tentative - no announcement yet)
The 2013 Science and Democracy Editorial Cartoon Contest. They are seeking your creative take on the important role science should play in American democracy—and the barriers that get in the way. Deadline was July 1. People of any age may enter.
Last Summer 2013
Google Maker Camp (July 2015 tentative)
Sign up today for a free virtual summer camp for teens. Create hands-on projects and share them online.
Torrance Legacy Visual Arts Awards (August 2015 tentative)
Students may submit photographs of any 2D or 3D visual art, including without limitation painting, collage, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics, or other related work. Submissions may focus on one of the following creative themes: Let Humor Flow, Keep open to the Snow, Digging Deeper, Lessons from Nature, Overcoming Obstacles, and Standing Alone. Students are encouraged to freely interpret these themes. Please note that you must submit a photographic representation of your work of art. Each student may submit only one submission for the category of 2D or 3D art or both. Open to students in 2nd-12th Grade.
Torrance Legacy Writing Contest (August 2015 tentative)
ACCEPTED GENRES: Poetry and short story submissions may focus on one of the following creative themes: Let Humor Flow; Keep Open to the Snow; Digging Deeper; Overcoming Obstacles; Lessons from Nature; and Standing Alone. Students are encouraged to freely interpret these themes. Please note that there is a 1,250 word limit for stories. There is no prescribed word limit for poems. Only one story and/or one poem will be accepted from each student.