The DoD STEM Challenge has been my most coveted challenge to date.  I absolutely loved designing this challenge.  I wanted to do something special for DoD STEM, and of course, I wanted to something extremely cross-curricular with science as the driving discipline.  I modeled this contest after my AFA Near Space Challenge.  The DoD STEM Challenge, however, is a bit more complex as instead of myself performing the launch (to which I actually lost the payload last time), I contracted this one out with my long-term HAB partners who I purchase all of my supplies through.

This contest did not have a lot of submissions, largely because of the 6-week window and the fact that this is a brand new contest and I had to collaborate with a whole new set of teachers throughout the district to gain their acceptance.

This challenge also included a number of new partners, to include the 21st Weather Squadron to whom I asked to serve as the contest coordinators.  I felt bad because I administered most of the contest because of its involved complexities.  I made sure, however,  included them in all of the communications in hopes they could support the contest next year which will be part of the new AFCEA STEM Olympics.

Another critical partner was Robert Grover of Databot.  We worked together quite often as there were many technical obstacles to maneuver past for the flight and the possible inclusion of a new pressure sensor.  Unfortunately, we never added the new sensor in time.

Lastly, I am was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the last minute video one of our students helped splice together.  I feel it really portrays the full story of this incredible contest.

I do hope we have massive involvement next year as next year's contest will begin in October and run through April, so plenty of time.  Also, we will increase the scholarship to $2k for the winning team....