STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

Living Labyrinth Student Competition

STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

Deadline: on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, March 31, 2025

Calling all students!

Get ready to blend curiosity and creativity by exploring how systems in the human body help us to participate in everyday activities. The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is asking you to pick an activity (like running, eating something, crafting, etc) and explain how a system in the human body (endocrine, muscular, lymphatic, etc) helps to complete that activity. To enter, read the instructions for your grade level below! THREE prizes will be awarded to each grade band.

Prizes

K-2

  • Interactive Human Anatomy Model for Kids
  • Human Anatomy Floor Puzzle for Kids
  • Amazon Fire HD 10 for Kids

3-5

  • Interactive Human Anatomy Model for Kids
  • Human Anatomy Floor Puzzle for Kids
  • Amazon Fire HD 10 for Kids

6-8

  • Anatomicum-Hardcover
  • Beats Solo 4
  • Grey Stanley Flip Straw Tumbler

9-12

  • Anatomicum-Hardcover
  • Beats Solo 4
  • Grey Stanley Flip Straw Tumbler

Instructions for K-2

  1. Make a copy of this worksheet (.PDF, 32KB) to learn about a system in the human body!
  2. Write your first name and state on the worksheet.
  3. Look at the rubric (/PDF, 79KB). This is what will be used to score your project.
  4. Complete the worksheet.
  5. Once completed, take a picture or scan your completed project.
  6. Go to the competition form, fill in the form with your information, and upload the completed project.
    • If your submission is a link (example: Google Docs, Dropbox File, etc.), make sure the privacy and sharing settings allow reviewers to access it. If it is not accessible, it will not be scored.
    • Winners will be announced late May.

Instructions 3-12 Grade:

  1. Look at the rubric (.PDF, 47KB). This is what will be used to score your project.
  2. Pick an activity and a system in the human body that helps to complete that activity.
  3. Research the human body system and learn about its structure and function.
  4. Create an original presentation of your choice that follows the guidelines of the rubric and introduces your chosen body system and explains how it helps with the completion of your chosen activity in at least two different ways.
  5. Write/type your first name and state onto the completed project.
  6. Go to the competition form, fill in the form with your information, and upload the completed project.
    1. If your submission is a link (example WeVideo, Vimeo, or Google), make sure the privacy and sharing settings allow reviewers to access it. If it is not accessible, it will not be scored.
    2. Winners will be announced late May.

Who can enter?

  • Students in a U.S., U.S. territory, or DoDEA School
  • Students in any schooling situation, including public, private, and homeschool
  • Students are eligible to win 2 ORISE competitions in a 12-month period

If you have any questions, please contact: STEMEd@orau.org.


Past competitions and winners

Is there a topic in your school that has not been covered that you would like to learn about? ORISE wants you to teach it! We are asking that you create an original activity to teach your topic, and then make a 2–3-minute video pretending like you are teaching the activity to your classmates. It must be a STEM topic of your choosing that has not been covered in your school. Make sure you explain how you designed your activity in your video!

Prizes for Winners:

Winners will be given the opportunity to spend up to $200 on an approved STEM prize. See below for some ideas and ORISE’s favorite STEM prizes.

  • Telescope
  • Snap Circuits
  • Coding Robots
  • Chemistry Sets
  • Rock Tumblers

Winners announced soon!

Join us for an exciting opportunity to explore the fascinating connection between art and STEM! ORISE wants you to choose an existing piece of art or create your own masterpiece and create a 2-3 minute original visual presentation that creatively connects back to a STEM concept that helped to plan it or create it.

Eight prizes will be awarded with two winners per grade band—two for K-2nd, two for 3rd-5th, two for 6th-8th, and two for 9th-12th.

Winners:

  • Alice K. from TN
  • Helen K. from TN
  • Shanaya P. from FL
  • Heidi S. from TN
  • Shane S. from TN
  • Yuno Y. from KY
  • Tiara C. from FL
  • Mariana B. from TX

Prizes:

K-2nd grade:

  • Spirograph Deluxe Arts and Crafts Set, 3Doodler Start+ (3D Pen), 3D Coloring Puzzle Set, Vtech Smart Watch, Lite Brite

3rd-5th grade:

  • Spirograph Deluxe Arts and Crafts Set, 3Doodler Start+ (3D Pen), 3D Coloring Puzzle Set, Vtech Smart Watch, Lite Brite

6th-8th grade:

  • 155 Piece Painting Kit, SCRIB3D 3D Pen, Amazon Fire 10 tablet

9th-12th grade:

  • 155 Piece Painting Kit, SCRIB3D 3D Pen, Amazon Fire 10 tablet

Have you ever wondered why the leaves change color in the fall, why the days are longer in the summer, or how snowflakes form in the winter? ORISE wants you to figure it out! We are asking that you create a 2–3-minute original presentation that creatively explains or demonstrates a seasonal phenomenon of your choice. Eight prizes will be awarded with two winners per grade band—two for K-2nd, two for 3rd-5th, two for 6th-8th, and two for 9th-12th.

Winners:

  • Amelia M. from NJ
  • Sami S. from TN
  • Hudson S. from TN
  • Laila H. from TN
  • Elin T. from KY
  • Lucinda M. from KY
  • Favour O. from ND
  • Israel M. from FL

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet and Osmo Kit

3rd-5th grade:

  • Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet and Sphero Bolt+

6th-8th grade:

  • Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet and Sphero Bolt+

9th-12th grade:

  • Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet and Sphero Bolt+

If you have any questions, please contact: STEMEd@orau.org.

Get ready to mix up some fun in the kitchen! ORISE is inviting students to create a delicious dish while uncovering the science behind it. Whether it's baking bread, making ice cream, or crafting the perfect pizza, students will explore concepts like chemistry, physics, and biology as they cook. After preparing their dish, participants will present their culinary creations by creating a presentation of their dish and the scientific explanations behind it! It's a tasty way to learn and compete - let's cook up some science!

Twelve prizes will be awarded with three winners per grade band—three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Winners:

  • Ezri C. from TN
  • Mayukha K. from VA
  • Jai V. from TN
  • Hannah P. from TN
  • Blair C. from TN
  • Jane Y. from TN
  • Aprameyan R. from VA
  • Nozima Z. from IL
  • Luke L. from TX
  • Lynn N. from CA
  • Kylie C. from CA
  • Adrian M. from FL

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • Erupting Volcano Cakes Cooking Kit
  • Science of Cooking Ice Cream Kit
  • Food Science of Candy Chemistry Kit
  • Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 Watch

3rd-5th grade:

  • Erupting Volcano Cakes Cooking Kit
  • Science of Cooking Ice Cream Kit
  • Food Science of Candy Chemistry Kit
  • Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 Watch

6th-8th grade:

  • Interactive Cooking Set - Explore Japan
  • The Super Easy Teen Cookbook
  • Apple Watch

9th-12th grade:

  • Pasta Making Kit
  • The Super Easy Teen Cookbook
  • Apple Watch

Looking for a way to beat the heat this summer? ORISE wants you to have fun with water! We want you to show the journey of water as it moves through the hydrologic cycle in your neighborhood and discuss how humans interfere with the cycle. TWELVE prizes will be awarded with 3 winners per grade band— three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Winners:

K-2

  • Cunxi H. Towne Acres Elementary School, TN
  • Alexander M. APT Homeschool Academy, TN
  • Keerthi S., Oliveira Elementary School, CA

3-5

  • Lily B., Honor School, TN
  • Urvi T., Saint Joseph Elementary school, MA
  • Reagan U., Lipscomb Academy, TN

6-8

  • Aparna A. Park Forest Middle School, PA
  • Hana E., Homelife Academy, TN
  • Annie N., Stacey Middle School, CA

9-12

  • Sofia A., Miami Palmetto Senior High School, FL
  • Liam F., Jupiter High School, FL
  • Sankarsh M., Farmington High School, CT

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • Waterproof digital camera with accessories, ORISE Summer Swag, Splashology Water Kit

3rd-5th grade:

  • Waterproof digital camera with accessories, ORISE Summer Swag, Water Science Lab Kit

6th-8th grade:

  • Waterproof digital camera with accessories, ORISE Summer Swag, LifeStraw

9th-12th grade:

  • Kodak Waterproof digital camera kit, ORISE Summer Swag, LifeStraw

Throughout the school year ORISE hosts STEM competitions where YOU could win SWEET prizes! We want you to share the love for a chance to win!

Winner:

  • Karee H., Jupiter Community High School, FL

Prizes:

Grand Prize: iPad mini, Apple Pencil, iPad case, and Sphero with case

Tagged friends: ORISE Summer Swag pack

Force is all around us – and we see examples of it every day without realizing it! The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants you to go on a scavenger hunt and find an example of force! We are asking that you explore in your local community to find an examples of force, photograph/draw them, and then write an explanation about the science behind each example of force. TWELVE prizes will be awarded with three winners per grade band—three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Prizes

K-5th grade:

  • Amazon Fire Pro Kids Tablet with Case and Gyroscope

6th-8th grade:

  • Amazon Fire Max 11 with Stylus and Gyroscope

9th-12th grade:

  • VR Headset Quest 2 and Gyroscope
Winners:

K-2

  • Saachi A., Homeschool, OR
  • Iva B., North Clarion Elementary, PA
  • Alexander M., APT Homeschool Academy, TN

3-5

  • Aya A., Dr. Cleveland Steward Jr. Elementary School, PA
  • Vivienne A., Picadome Elementary, KY
  • Olivia E., Lake Ridge Elementary, TN

6-8

  • Carley C., Andrew Jackson Middle School, WV
  • Kaylyn G., Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School, TN
  • Layla G., South Doyle Middle School, TN

9-12

  • Evan C., Farragut High School, TN
  • Danial K., Farragut High School, TN
  • Linh N., Westminster High School, CA

Calling all students! There’s a universe of knowledge out there, and we're inviting you to explore it! Dive into the Department of Energy article on energy in space, answer the cosmic call with your answers, and you could win some stellar prizes! Throughout the month of April, we want you to learn a little more about alternative energy from space and then answer some questions.

Prizes:

THREE randomly selected students will receive an iPad Mini (with case and screen protector) and a 3D printing pen kit (includes the pen, mat, and extra filament).

Winners:

  • Knox D., Prescott South Middle School, TN
  • Henry K., Aberdeen High School, MD
  • Jenny N., Westminster High School, CA

Do you have what it takes to transform data into a visual masterpiece? ORISE wants you to try it out! Your task is to go out into the world and collect your own data based on a question you have, and then use the patterns or trends you observe to create a unique visualization of the data! EIGHT prizes will be awarded with two winners per grade band— two for K-2nd, two for 3rd-5th, two for 6th-8th, and two for 9th-12th.

Winners

K-2

  • Ishank A., Celebree School of Henrico, VA
  • Fritz P., TreeHouse Homeschool, TN

3-5

  • Advik B., Cedar Park Elementary School, MN
  • Shanaya P., East Wood Intermediate, OH

6-8

  • Hina S., SCAPA at Bluegrass, KY
  • Haddon S., Homeschool, TN

9-12

  • Victor G., Westminster High School, CA
  • Sabrina P., Jupiter High School, FL

Prizes

  • K-5th grade:
    • Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet
    • Amazon Fire HD 10 Case
    • Modeling Clay
    • Sketch Pencils
    • Markers
    • Sketchbook
  • 6th-12th grade:
    • Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet (bundle with Keyboard Case and Stylus)
    • Modeling Clay
    • Sketch Pencils
    • Markers
    • Sketchbook

Reach for the stars and explore the universe with us! The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants you to blast off into another student competition! For this competition, you will record a 3-5 minute video short story about where you would go in space to escape an alien invasion on Earth and how you would survive in your new environment. TWELVE prizes will be awarded with THREE winners per grade band— three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Winners and their videos:

K-2

3-5

6-8

  • Ava M., David T. Howard Middle School, GA
  • John David H., Paragould Junior High School, AR
  • Me’Shelle H., Paragould Junior High School, AR

9-12


Prizes:

K-2nd grade:

  • Telescope, 50 Things to See with a Telescope Book, Galaxy Projector, Astronaut Squishmallow

3rd-5th grade:

  • Telescope, 50 Things to See with a Telescope Book, Galaxy Projector, Solar System Kinects Building Kit

6th-8th grade:

  • Telescope, Moon Lamp, Beats Studio Earbuds, National Geographic: Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

9th-12th grade:

  • Telescope, Moon Lamp, Beats Studio Earbuds, National Geographic: Backyard Guide to the Night Sky

Unleash your imagination and explore the wonders of STEM through the magic of reading! The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) wants you to explore how some of your favorite STEM subjects can connect to the books you read! We are asking that you bring a scene from a book to life and explain the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics behind it! TWELVE prizes will be awarded with THREE winners per grade band—three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Winners:

K-2

  • Shritha C., Farragut Primary School, TN
  • Adilynn R., Williamsburg Montessori School, VA
  • Halden E., Hellenic Classical Charter School, NY

3-5

  • Narain M., Basis Chandler North, AZ
  • Minh N., Robeson Elementary School, IL
  • Gillian N., Wallace A. Smith Elementary, TN

6-8

  • Braelynne O., Central Middle, TN
  • Gordey I., Hardin Valley Middle School, TN
  • Haasini C., Farragut Middle School, TN

9-12

  • Destiney C., Jupiter Community School, FL
  • Addison T., Broadneck High School, MD
  • Alysha K., Jupiter Community School, FL

 

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • Amazon Fire 8 Kids Tablet, Be a Maker book, Kids Bluetooth Headset, and Oversized Kids Blanket Hoodie

3-5th grade:

  • Amazon Fire 8 Kids Tablet, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind book, Kids Bluetooth Headset, and Oversized Kids Blanket Hoodie

6th-12th grade:

  • Kindle Paperwhite (8GB), Beats Studio Pro, Library Scented Candle, and Oversized Blanket Hoodie

Have you ever wondered about the mechanics behind a STEM phenomenon? For instance - how does the shape of paper affect its flight through the air? Or how can people pull a tablecloth off a set table without breaking anything? Now is your chance to dive into your curiosity because ORISE wants you to get creative and find the facts! We are asking that you create a video that showcases your journey as a “Fact Finder” in the world of STEM. In the video, you will identify something in a STEM field that you would like to understand, then show us what you learned! TWELVE prizes will be awarded with three winners per grade band—three for K-2nd, three for 3rd-5th, three for 6th-8th, and three for 9th-12th.

Prizes

K-5th Grade:

  • iPad (10th Generation) and accessories
  • Sphero Mini Activity Kit

6th-12th Grade:

  • iPad Mini and accessories
  • Apple Pencil
  • Sphero Bolt

Winners:

  • K-2nd
    • Helen K., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN
    • Olivia H., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN
    • Kolbie R., St. Claire Elementary School, TN
  • 3rd-5th
    • Evangeline P., TreeHouse Home School, TN
    • Emily A., Westview Elementary, TN
    • Vincent J., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN
  • 6th-8th
    • Milo R., Rivers Edge Christian Academy, TN
    • Gabbi J., Bulls Gap, TN
    • Tyler W., Bulls Gap, TN
  • 9th-12th
    • Jacquelyn P., Westminster High School, CA
    • Danial K., Farragut High School, TN
    • Anh N., Centennial High School, IL