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Design it. Build it. Test it. Improve it.
The Technology Challenge gives students the opportunity to use engineering and technology to solve a specific design problem. Students work as engineers: they investigate the challenge, develop ideas, build prototypes, test their designs, analyze what works and what does not, and make improvements.
The goal is not simply to build something that works. Students learn that engineering is an iterative process. Failure provides information that can lead to a better design.
What students gain: Engineering design, prototyping, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, persistence, testing, data analysis, and technical communication.
Great for students who: Love building, designing, tinkering, robotics, mechanisms, or figuring out how things work.
OFFICIAL COST GUIDANCE
The Tech Interactive reports average participation costs below $30 per student.
SMART SPENDING RULES
Reuse and prototype cheaply first. Record every test and redesign. Obtain coordinator approval before purchasing, keep receipts, and avoid buying a “final” solution before evidence supports it.
The Hopkins Financial Officer is Mrs. Deepika Srinivas, PFA Member.
STEAM Donations
STEAM Donations
To support the STEAM program, you may donate by scanning the QR code provided or by submitting a check payable to Hopkins_PFA (STEAM) to the Hopkins Middle School office.
For all donations, please clearly indicate the STEAM program, science competition, or challenge your contribution is intended to support.
For checks: Please write the name of your student’s STEAM program, competition, or challenge in the memo line.
Design, build, test, and improve an engineering solution to the annual challenge. Requirements, safety information, materials guidance, team schedules, and meeting links will be posted here. (Under Construction)
2027 TECH CHALLENGE • GRADES 6–8
Information checked August 17, 2026
CURRENT STATUS
The Tech Interactive has completed its 2026 “Raise the Roof” season and says the 2027 program will feature “fun and games” while celebrating the 40th Tech Challenge. The complete 2027 challenge rules, registration dates, test trials, and Showcase dates have not yet been announced. Do not build to the archived 2026 specifications. This page will be updated when the official 2027 rules are released.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE
The Tech Challenge is open to students in grades 4–12. Teams have 2–6 students and one adult adviser. Students may come from different schools. Hopkins participation is limited to grades 6–8 and is subject to program capacity and team placement.
TYPICAL SEASON
The annual challenge is normally announced in the fall. Registration generally runs from October through March. Teams brainstorm, build, test, document, and improve for several months. In the two months before the spring Showcase, The Tech typically offers test trials where teams can test devices and receive feedback. Teams' registration averages less than $30 per student, subject to the 2027 fees.
WHAT STUDENTS MUST DO
• Read every criterion, constraint, definition, safety rule, and scoring condition in the 2027 rules.
• Define the problem and convert rules into a compliance checklist.
• Research relevant science, mechanisms, materials, and comparable designs.
• Generate several ideas before selecting a design.
• Build small tests and prototypes before constructing a complete device.
• Test under controlled conditions, record quantitative data, identify failure modes, and iterate.
• Maintain an engineering journal with dated sketches, calculations, material decisions, test results, failures, modifications, and reflections.
• Practice explaining design trade-offs and answering judges’ questions.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment and use tools only with trained adult supervision.
PARENT AND ADVISER GUIDELINES
Adults may supervise safety, teach general tool skills, arrange transportation, help acquire approved materials, and ask students to explain their reasoning. Students should make the design choices, build the device, maintain the journal, conduct tests, and present the work. Confirm current rules before purchasing or cutting materials.
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL TEAM
Winning is not based only on a device’s final performance. Strong teams demonstrate an authentic engineering process: many ideas, purposeful tests, documented evidence, intelligent revisions, shared responsibility, resilience after failure, and a clear judge interview. Begin early and test repeatedly.
STUDY NOW WHILE THE 2027 CHALLENGE IS PENDING
Use The Tech’s student resources to practice brainstorming, basic safety, engineering journals, prototyping, tool skills, vocabulary, teamwork, and mini design challenges. These transferable skills apply regardless of the new challenge.
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
Current Tech Challenge page: https://www.thetech.org/education/tech-challenge/tech-challenge/
Program overview: https://www.thetech.org/education/tech-challenge/
Student resources: https://www.thetech.org/education/tech-challenge/tech-challenge/student-resources/
FAQ: https://www.thetech.org/education/tech-challenge/tech-challenge/faq/
HOPKINS INFORMATION
Questions: Under Construction
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