Mrs. Dibble

Title 1 Math/Enrichment Support
Spring Enrichment Support Plans

STEM Challenge

K'Nex Project

https://sites.google.com/aiu3.net/stem-design-challenge

 

The STEM Design Challenge began in 2010 as a competition at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in Homestead, PA with 37 teams. Since then, it has grown to a Pennsylvania statewide competition with over 5,000 students competing each year.

Each year, students are given a challenge. They have until March/April to design a prototype in response to the challenge. Along with a prototype, the teams will need to create a blueprint, a design notebook, and a presentation.

This program is generously supported by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

2025 Challenge

In this challenge, elementary and middle school students will focus on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (UN Sustainable Development Goal 9) by designing a prototype that addresses a real-world problem related to infrastructure, transportation, or urban development. The goal is to inspire students to think about how cities, roads, bridges, and systems can be built or improved to be more efficient, sustainable, and accessible.

 
 
A team of students work on their K'Nex prototype at the State STEM Design Challenge
Competition Rules:

A team of 2-4 students will work together on the project.


Students must create their prototype using no more than 1400 K’Nex and/or Engino pieces. String, tape, and rubber bands are permitted.  3D printed pieces are NOT allowed.

Teams must bring their materials to the competition and will have 2 hours to recreate their project for judging. 

There can be no pre-constructed components brought to the competition. Protypes must be built "from scratch."

Projects must fit on a 6-foot-long table.  Water may not be used as part of the display. 


Each team will need to create and submit a design notebook and a blueprint for viewing at the competition.


Each team will need to prepare a presentation (2 minutes or less) on their model and how it answers the challenge. 

 
 
Design Notebook



Blueprint

Prototype

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