Science & STEM Competitions for Kindergarten–5th Grade

A team-based science and technology competition in which students study an existing technology and imagine how it could develop in the future. Elementary entries are judged in separate K–3 and Grades 4–6 categories.

Participation: Students generally work in small teams with an educator or adult coach and follow the project requirements on the official site.

A hands-on engineering competition in which teams design an intentionally complicated and creative machine to complete a simple task.

Participation: Teams should review the current task, elementary-division rules, registration pathway, and available contest formats on the official site.

An invention-education program in which students identify a problem, develop and test a solution, and communicate their invention. Students may progress through local or state affiliate pathways to national-level events.

Participation: National participation generally requires qualification through an affiliate program. Families should use the official program finder to identify the correct local entry route.

A team-based robotics and STEM program that combines building, coding, research, and collaborative problem solving. Available divisions, formats, and grade ranges may vary by region and season.

• Explore: commonly Grades 2–4 or ages 6–10, with introductory engineering and coding.
• Challenge: commonly Grades 4–8 or ages 9–16, with robotics missions, research, and friendly competition.

Participation: Families can find or start a team and explore school or classroom options through FIRST. Check the current official page for local formats, age ranges, and any younger-grade options.

A team-based creative problem-solving program in which students develop original solutions to long-term challenges and respond to spontaneous problems. Some challenges involve engineering, structures, vehicles, or other STEM skills, but not every problem is science-focused.

Participation: Primary experiences for Grades K–2 are noncompetitive and may showcase at a tournament; older elementary teams may compete under current division rules. Participation is usually organized through a school, homeschool group, or community organization.

A science innovation challenge in which eligible students communicate an original idea for solving an everyday problem through a short video submission. The broader program serves Grades 5–8.

Participation: Fifth graders can review the current eligibility, individual submission requirements, and judging process on the official challenge website.

A team engineering challenge in which students design, build, and race a solar-powered model vehicle while applying STEM concepts and testing design choices. The broader program serves Grades 5–8.

Participation: Eligible students generally participate through a registered Technology Student Association chapter or an approved Army host site. Families should confirm that a current local pathway is available.