Who: Middle & High School teams (4–5 students + advisor)
What: Fast-paced quiz bowl covering earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, energy, and math.
How: Register as a team through local DOE competition; regionals are in-person, nationals in Washington, D.C.
When: Regionals Jan–Mar; National Finals Apr
More info: U.S. DOE National Science Bowl
Who: Middle school (Grades 6–8); includes High School division
What: Design a futuristic, sustainable city using essay, model, and presentation.
How: Team of 3–5 + adult mentor
When: Start in Sept; regionals in Jan; nationals in Feb in Washington, D.C.
More info: Future City Competition
Who: Middle & High School teams
What: Youth cybersecurity competition; defend virtual systems.
How: Register teams online; multiple online rounds; top teams attend in-person finals.
When: Season runs fall–spring; in-person finals later spring.
More info: AFA CyberPatriot
Who: K–12 (via teams)
What: Imagine future technology.
How: Submit written report, diagram, and video.
When: Register in fall; submission by Jan; judging in spring.
More info: ExploraVision
Who: Grades 5–8
What: Create a 1–2 minute video explaining your solution to a real-world issue.
How: Submit video and entry form online – no team required.
When: Entry opens Dec; judging begins May.
More info: 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Who: High school seniors
What: Submit an original, independent STEM research project.
How: Enter online through Society for Science.
When: Deadline in Nov; Top 300 announced Jan; finals in Mar in D.C.
More info: Regeneron Science Talent Search
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Research project focused on water issues.
How: Submit through regional/national competition.
When: U.S. entries due late winter; finals in May–June.
More info: Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Who: Students K–12
What: Build a whimsical machine to complete a simple task.
How: Register and submit video/documentation.
When: Typically winter/spring; deadlines around January.
More info: Rube Goldberg Contest
Who: High school students (ages 16+)
What: Tech-based innovation competition tackling social issues.
How: Register online, build projects; finalists compete at Microsoft Build.
When: Registration and qualifiers in academic year.
More info: Imagine Cup
Who: Grades 6–12
What: Design, build, and launch model rockets carrying eggs to precise altitude/time.
How: Register teams online.
When: Qualifying flights early spring; finals May in Virginia.
More info: American Rocketry Challenge
Who: K–12 teams
What: Creative problem-solving with long-term projects and spontaneous tasks.
How: Join independently or through local group.
When: Regional tournaments winter/spring; World Finals late spring.
More info: Odyssey of the Mind
Who: Grades 5–8
What: Design and race solar-powered vehicles.
How: Register through TSA or AEOP.
When: Regional events spring/summer.
More info: Junior Solar Sprint
Who: Grades 6–9
What: Web-based STEM competition – solve community issues.
How: Register as a team; virtual regional & national judging.
When: Registration Aug–Feb; submissions by Mar; national event Jun.
More info: eCYBERMISSION
Who: Grades 6–8
What: STEM research/project competition.
How: Submit project online; finalists chosen nationally.
When: Applications open fall; finals spring.
More info: Broadcom MASTERS
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Write a genetics-themed essay.
How: Submit online through the ASHG website.
When: Entry opens Jan; closes around Mar 1.
More info: ASHG DNA Day Essay Contest
Who: High school teams
What: Quiz-bowl style competition focused on oceanography.
How: Register through regional coordinator.
When: Regionals winter/spring; finals early summer.
More info: NOSB
Who: Grades 8–12
What: Code Space Station SPHERES satellites.
How: Register as a team; code online.
When: High School Tournament Sep–Dec annually.
More info: Zero Robotics
Who: Grades 9–12
What: Present original STEM research at regional/national symposia.
How: Qualify through regional competitions; finalists attend Nationals.
When: Regionals late winter/early spring; Nationals soon after.
More info: JSHS