BPS STEAMfest - BPS Innovation Challenge

📣 Calling all BPS Innovators! 📣

The US has lost its seat on the top 10 most innovative countries in the world. We need your help and creativity to help move us back on this list! We are challenging you to innovate, design, and create something that solves the problems of tomorrow. There’s no problem too big or too small!

📢 The 2nd annual BPS Innovation Challenge is a competition for BPS students to showcase their innovation in STEAM!

Student teams will identify a problem or need, brainstorm a solution, and create a prototype to demonstrate or illustrate the idea. During the STEAMfair, students will present a pitch to communicate their idea to a panel of judges.

There will be cash prizes for winners in each grade band!

🗓️ Innovation Challenge Schedule (Tentative)

9am-10am: Check-in and Set-up
10am-12pm: Judging & Public viewing
12pm-1pm: Awards announced during lunch

📝 Click here to register for the Innovation Challenge! 📝

Please use your BPS email for registration. One registration per team, please.
Registrations are due by May 12, 2024.

Rules & Guidelines

All BPS students in any grades (K0-12) are eligible to enter the Innovation Challenge.
Students may work in a team of up to 3 people (up to 5 for grades K0-2).
Student teams must preregister to present at the STEAMfair. One registration per project/team. Registrations will be live on Monday, April 1st.
Projects completed at school, home, or outside-of-school programs are all eligible.
All projects, prototypes, and pitch must be family-friendly and school-appropriate.
The following materials are NOT allowed:
- Weapons or explosives of any kind
- Chemical reactions
- Liquids in open containers
- Live animals (plants are ok)
All entered projects must be students’ original creations of original ideas.
Students may use a Chromebook or other device during the pitch or prototype demonstration. WiFi and charging stations will be available. Students should bring their own BPS Chromebook; however, some loaners are available if requested at time of registration.
Poster or slides are strongly encouraged but not required.
Innovation Challenge pitch will be scored by judges using these rubric: Grades K-2 | Grades 3-6 | Grades 7-12. Please read carefully when preparting and practicing your pitch!

Innovation Challenge Resources

🍎 PD Opportunity

BPS STEM Department and BPSTechnology are hosting a professional development for BPS educators looking to bring the Innovation Challenge or the design thinking process to their classrooms. Click here for more information and register on Vector. The hybrid course starts on March 11.

🖥️ Slide Deck & Lesson Resources

Please see below for resources to help students through the Design Thinking process. The grade bands are recommendations only; please use the resource that is most appropriate for your students.

Grades K-5: Slide Deck & Handouts
Grades 3-12: Slide Deck & Handouts
Additional Resources: Design Thinking Packet | 1-page Design Thinking template

📋 Scoring Rubric

Innovation Challenge pitch will be scored by judges using this rubric. Please read carefully when preparting and practicing your pitch!

Scoring Rubric: Grades K-2 | Grades 3-6 | Grades 7-12

Need more info? Watch the the Zoom recording and see slide deck from the Info Session!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any materials available for schools for STEAM activities?
BPS Lending Library has a limited number of micro:bit, Makey Makeys, LEGO robotics sets, and other tools and materials available for loan to BPS teachers for use in classrooms.
Can a student enter more than once?
No. One entry per student, please.
What is a "pitch" and how is it different than a presentation?
A pitch is a brief presentation of an idea or proposal, usually given to persuade someone to invest in a business or support a project. A presentation is a communication tool used to convey information to an audience, often in a more formal or structured format than a pitch. A pitch should be short, concise, and compelling to grab the audience's attention.
What is a "prototype"?
A prototype is an early model or sample of a product, design or system used to test and evaluate its features, functions, and user experience. It helps to refine the design before the final product is produced, or communicate the idea to potential users for feedback. A prototype could be a cardboard mock-up, a 3D printed model, a sketch, a virtual model on a computer, and more! For the Innovation Challenge, think about how you could best show your solution to the judges.