Teams of no more than 3 students (K-3, 4-6 groups)

Main Challenge: In this exciting challenge, you will work in teams to design and build the tallest tower possible using only popsicle sticks and Elmer's glue. Your tower must be able to withstand different degrees of simulated earthquakes. Teams will 

Research Challenge Elements: Using theories of safe and appropriate structures, teams will then…

• Conduct research on the most structurally sound way to prevent collapse

• Select 1 or 2 specific design qualities to use

• Develop a logical argument for the specific design qualities chosen

• Justify their design quality selection with reasoning and evidence

• Compile research, design qualities, images throughout process, argument and justification in a digital format to be presented prior to structure testing.

Design Challenge Elements: After research,  teams will….

• Collaboratively design and build their structure 

• Demonstrate careful consideration in the design used 

• Use the Engineering Design Process in the creation of their final structure

Additional Bonus Challenge: 

An additional bonus point will be awarded if it is the tallest tower to withstand all 3 shake intensities

Q&A:

1.  Is there a size limit for the structure?

Yes, the width of the structure cannot extend beyond 10 inches x 10 inches. The height has no limit, however, the goal is to have the tallest that can withstand the shaking.

2.  What materials can be used when building this structure?

You can only use standard popsicles with these dimensions 4.5 x 0.39 x 0.08 inches. Also, elmer’s school glue (no other brands or different elmer’s).

3.  Is there a time limit for the presentation portion?

No more than 5 minutes. 2-3 minutes would be acceptable. 

4.  If the students create a slideshow for their presentations is there a limit to the number of slides that they can include?

No limit or expectation on the number of slides.

Grade Level: K-3, 4-6

Number of students on teams: 1-4

• K - 3rd= Story - Produce a story using Scratch or Scratch Jr. iPad/Android app that includes the following: a background, sound, and animation with a message and theme. 

• 4th - 6th = Game - Design a game that teaches the user something using Scratch (e.g.. How to survive___, Tutorial, Game with Positive Outcome, etc. ). Include at least the following: a background, at least 2 sprites (characters), and keeps score. Explain what you intended to teach the users of your game. 

How-To Links:

• Scratch Jr. (iPad or Tablet)

• Scratch (Chromebooks)

Presentation:

Students participating in the coding challenge will need to present their story or game to a panel of judges. Presentations should include:

• Description of the intended design (why it was created)

• The story or game displayed in its final form

• Screenshots or live demonstration of the coding behind their story, game, or app

• Explanation of the process, including challenges that had to be overcome and different solutions 

Scoring:

Coding challenges will be scored by their level of creativity, complexity, and program components. Like all other challenges, teams need to document the process they use to create their coding challenge. They may use screenshots and/or screencasts to show their progress from beginning to end. 

Grade Level: K-3rd, 4th-6th

Number of Students on Teams: 1-2 students

Students will represent a leader in the world of science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics. Students will complete careful research of their leader’s lives and achievements, including how they overcame a challenge. Then they will create a monologue or dialogue to share what they have learned about their leader. Students will determine the appropriate outfit and accessories to portray their leader.  Students will present a monologue or dialogue to an audience, while dressed as their selected leader.

Resources

What is a Monologue? 

A monologue is when someone presents by themselves for a set time, sharing their thoughts, feelings, or ideas. It’s like when a character in a play or a movie talks alone on stage to express what's going on in their mind.

Student Checklists

 Thinking Maps

• Divisions:

  • Division 1: Grades 2-3

  • Division 2: Grades 4-6

• The event will feature two main activities:

  • Speech Presentation

    • Topics

      • Division 1 (Grades 2-3): Simple, relatable topics such as “My Favorite Animal,” “Why Recycling is Important,” or “If I Were Principal for a Day.”

      • Division 2 (Grades 4-6): Topics that encourage critical thinking and opinion, like “The Benefits of Team Sports,” “Why Books are Better than Movies,” or “Should School Start Later?”

    • Speech Guidelines

      • Duration:

        • Division 1: 1-2 minutes

        • Division 2: 3-4 minutes

      • Visual Aids: 

        • Each student should create one simple slide with an image or keyword related to their topic to help the audience understand their theme.

• Team Debate

  • Topics:  One will be selected the day of the competition; prepare all topics. 

    • Division 1 (Grades 2-3)

      • "Should We Plant More Trees or Clean More Oceans?"

      • "Is it Better to Have a Pet Robot or a Pet Animal?""

      • "Is Space Exploration More Exciting Than Underwater Exploration?"

• Division 2 (Grades 4-6)

  • "Should Zoos Be Banned or Improved?"

  • "Should We Stop Using Plastic Completely?"

  • "Is Artificial Intelligence More Helpful or Harmful to Society?"

• Debate Guidelines

  • Teams:

    • Division 1: 2 members per team

    • Division 2: 2-3 members per team

  • Format:

    • Opening Statement (2 minutes per team)

    • Rebuttal (1 minute per team)

    • Closing Statement (1 minute per team)

  • Rules:

    • Each team has designated time for each segment.

    • No interruptions during an opponent’s statement.

    • Points awarded for clarity, teamwork, and respectful listening.

Grade Level: K-3rd, 4th-6th

Number of Students on Teams: 2-4 students

Theme: Surviving with STEAM 

• Students will create a large colored drawing that visually represents the theme.

• Artworks should be 24”x36”, or larger if desired. A perfect resource would be the craft paper rolls, often used to decorate classrooms.

• The artworks will be put on display at the event for viewing by judges and attendees.

• Students should be prepared to explain their artwork, how it relates to the theme, and how they contributed to the team.