Project Details
Categories, Rubrics, and Project Details
The STEM Expo has nine distinct categories. Below are the categories and descriptions of each category. The project rubrics are linked under each category.
Projects in this category identify a problem in environmental or agricultural science and innovate a solution. Successful projects should include background information on the issue, a prototype or proof of concept that is novel or innovative, and promotional materials to explain this innovative solution to interested parties.
Projects in this category identify a need and then design and prototype an invention to meet that need. Successful projects should include market research, a prototype or proof of concept that is novel or innovative, and promotional materials to explain this innovative solution to interested parties.
Projects in this category disassemble products to understand and explain in detail product components, sub-assemblies, and how they work together. Successful projects should include clearly labeled and explained components to highlight operational concepts.
Projects in this category design software written for an innovative purpose. Successful projects will demonstrate consistent operation, elegant user interface, and useful real-world application. Examples might include app development, code that automates a process, or game development.
Projects in this category design, construct, and operate a chain-reaction type machine commonly known as a "Rube Goldberg machine." Among other expectations listed on the rubric, successful projects will have a simple trigger to initiate operation, at least 10 transfers of energy, and several types of physical forces used and identified accurately.
Projects in this category provide a written narrative in the science fiction genre. Successful projects will include recognizable features of the genre, such as scientific ideas, processes, theories, or technologies used as central elements to the characters, plot, or themes. Alternative science principles may be employed as this genre provides for imaginative exploration. Accompanying illustrations, images, or storyboards are helpful.
Projects in this category present a scientific question or problem, an experiment to test this problem, and resulting conclusions. Successful projects will include details regarding the investigation, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, and conclusions. Where useful, information should be presented in both textual and visual format.
Projects in this category present a public awareness or education campaign designed to address a specific public health need or problem. Successful projects will identify a target audience and tailor a data-driven message to that audience, for the purpose of advancing and/or protecting public health. Campaign materials should have aesthetic appeal, and be complete with quantitative and qualitative evidence.
General Rules and Requirements
