What is the challenge for 2025?? 

In this challenge, elementary and middle school students will focus on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (UN Sustainable Development Goal 9) by designing a prototype that addresses a real-world problem related to infrastructure, transportation, or urban development. The goal is to inspire students to think about how cities, roads, bridges, and systems can be built or improved to be more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

Rules:

• A team of 2-4 students will work together on the project.

• Students must create their prototype using no more than 1400 K’Nex and/or Engino pieces. String, tape, and rubber bands are permitted.

• Teams must bring their materials to the competition and will have 2 hours to recreate their project for judging.

• There can be no pre-constructed components brought to the competition. Protypes must be built "from scratch."

• Projects must fit on a 6-foot-long table. Water may not be used as part of the display.

• Each team will need to create and submit a design notebook and a blueprint for viewing at the competition.

• Each team will need to prepare a presentation (2 minutes or less) on their model and how it answers the challenge.

** Because we are adding Engino, we have removed the requirements for motors and for the middle school inventory. 

** Teams can use K'Nex, Engino, or a mix of both.  (They don't connect together but teams could use both in their prototype.) Any team looking to purchase Engino Kits, can buy them here for $75: https://www.fishersci.com/shop/products/stem-challenge-bundle/S00027

Awards:

• Awards will be given to top three teams in grades 4-5 and grades 6-8

• The 1st place team in each division (grades 4-5 and grades 6-8) at each Intermediate Unit regional competition will advance to the state competition.

The 2025 state competition will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA.