STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

AI Adventures Student Competition

STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

Deadline: On or before 11:59 pm Eastern Time, Tuesday, September 30th

Ready for a new kind of adventure? ORISE invites K-12 students to explore artificial intelligence (AI) through grade level specific AI adventures. Get ready to learn more about AI by completing the following adventures:

K-2nd and 3rd–5th: AI Adventure: Scavenger Hunt

Students will find examples of AI in their homes or communities (e.g., voice assistants like Google or Alexa, recommendations systems, traffic lights). Students will share their findings and discuss how the AI system works and benefits the user.

6th–8th: AI Adventure: Character Creation

Students will use AI to complete an iterative process for developing a fictional character. Students will learn how iterative refinement improves AI outcomes and explore how consolidated prompts affect the result.

9th–12th: AI Adventure: Source Investigation

Students will use AI to analyze the sources used in a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) article generated by AI. Students will evaluate the credibility of sources and learn how to guide AI to use specific, reliable sources to create a factual STEM article.

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-2nd grade:

  • Miko 3: AI-Powered Smart Robot
  • Pictionary vs. AI Family

3rd–5th grade:

  • Miko 3: AI-Powered Smart Robot
  • 5 in 1 STEM AI Robot

6th–8th grade:

  • Robot AI Dog
  • Makeblock mBot2 Coding Robot

9th-12th grade:

  • Nous AI Robot
  • Connect AI Robot Cube & Smart Cube

  1. Make a copy of this worksheet for K-2nd.
  2. Make a copy of this worksheet for 3rd–5th.
  3. Write your first name and state on the worksheet.
  4. Look at the rubric for K-2nd  (.docx) or the rubric for 3rd–5th (.docx) .This is what will be used to score your project.
  5. Complete the activity and worksheet.
  6. Once completed, take a picture or scan your completed worksheet.
  7. Go to the competition form, fill in the form with your information, and upload the completed worksheet.
    1. 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.
    2. Winners will be announced in late October. 

  1. Make a copy of this worksheet.
  2. Write/Type your first name and state on the worksheet.
  3. Look at the rubric (.docx). This is what will be used to score your project.
  4. Complete the activity and worksheet.
  • Step 1: Initial Character Creation

Students will write an initial prompt to describe the basic details of their fictional character. This could include elements such as the character’s name, physical appearance, personality traits, hobbies, and background. Students will record the initial prompt and character on the worksheet.

Example Prompt:

"Create a character named Alex who is 12 years old, loves science, and dreams of becoming an astronaut. Alex is curious and adventurous but sometimes gets into trouble because of a high level of curiosity."

  • Step 2: First Revision

Students will refine the character by adding more details or changing elements of the original prompt. This could include expanding on the character’s motivations, adding quirks, or adjusting their background. Students will record their second prompt and revised character on the worksheet.

Example Prompt Starter:

"Revise Alex’s character to include..."

  • Step 3: Second Revision

Students will further refine their character. Students may choose to focus on adding depth, relationships, or unique traits to make the character more engaging. The student will record their third prompt and revised character on the worksheet.

Example Prompt Starter:

"Add more details about...”

  • Step 4: Create a Consolidated Prompt

Once the character is finalized after at least three iterations, students will clear their AI tool and write a single consolidated prompt that includes all the information from the previous iterations. Students will record the consolidated prompt on the worksheet and resulting character on the worksheet.

  • Step 5: Output Comparison

Students will compare the output from their iterative process (three separate prompts) to the output from their consolidated prompt. They will analyze how the AI responds differently to iterative refinement versus a single comprehensive prompt and record their response on the worksheet.

  1. 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: 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.
    2. Winners will be announced in late October. 

  1. Make a copy of this worksheet.
  2. Write/Type your first name and state on the worksheet.
  3. Look at the rubric (.docx). This is what will be used to score your project.
  4. Complete the activity and worksheet.
  • Step 1: Decide Your STEM Topic
    • Choose a STEM topic that interests you and type it on the worksheet.
    • Ensure your topic is specific enough to allow for meaningful exploration and analysis.
  • Step 2: List Three Sources You Would Use
    • Imagine you are writing a factual STEM article yourself.
    • Identify three credible sources or websites you would use to gather information for your article. Examples might include scientific journals, government websites, or reputable organizations.
    • Write down the names of the sources on the worksheet and briefly explain why you consider them credible.
  • Step 3: Ask AI to Create a Factual STEM Article (5 paragraphs in length)
    • Using your chosen topic, prompt AI to generate a factual STEM article that is 5 paragraphs long.

Example prompt:

“Write a nonfiction article that is five paragraphs long about fusion energy.”

    • Copy the prompt and article generated by AI and paste it on the worksheet for analysis in later steps.
  • Step 4: Investigate AI-Generated Sources
    • Ask AI to list the sources or references it used to create the article in Step 3.
    • Document the sources provided by AI and evaluate their credibility using the following criteria: (make chart where they can check)
      • Is the source from a recognized scientific journal, reputable organization, or trusted news outlet?
      • Is the source peer-reviewed or supported by scientific evidence?
      • Does the source have clear authorship and publication details?
    • On the worksheet, label each source as  credible or  not credible, providing reasoning for your evaluation.
  • Step 5: Guided Article Generation
    • Use the three credible sources you identified in Step 2 to guide AI in generating a new article on the same topic.

Example prompt starter:

“Write a nonfiction article that is five paragraphs long about fusion energy using information from the U.S. Department of Energy, …”

    • Copy and paste the new article generated by AI for comparison in the next step.
  • Step 6: Compare the Two Articles
    • Compare the original AI-generated article (Step 3) with the guided article (Step 5).
    • Consider the following:
      • Did specifying sources improve the accuracy and depth of the information?
      • Were there noticeable differences in the quality of the articles?
      • Which article do you like better?
  • Step 7: Reflect and Discuss
    • Without using your AI tool, write a short reflection (300-500 words) discussing your experience and findings.
    • Suggested questions for reflection:
      • How did the credibility of the sources impact the quality of the article?
      • Did specifying sources improve the accuracy or depth of the information?
      • What challenges did you encounter when evaluating source credibility?
      • Why is it important for scientists and writers to use credible sources?
      • How can AI be a useful tool in identifying or improving source reliability?
      • What did you learn about using AI as a resource?
  1. 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: 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.
    2. Winners will be announced in late October.

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

CALLING ALL CODERS!

ORISE invites you to jumpstart your school year by designing and developing your very own game or story using Scratch or Scratch Jr. This is your chance to showcase your programming skills and share your innovative ideas with ORISE. Students will use Scratch to create an interactive game, while K-2 students have the option to use Scratch Jr to create a story.

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

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • LEGO Education SPIKE Essential Set

3rd-5th grade:

  • LEGO Education SPIKE Essential Set

6th-8th grade:

  • LEGO Education SPIKE Prime Set

9th-12th grade:

  • Makeblock Ranger
  • Nous AI Robot

Get ready to be creative with your spring cleaning! ORISE invites students to repurpose something around the house and walk through the engineering design process to determine a new use for it. Create a 1–3-minute original presentation that creatively explains or demonstrates how you used the engineering design process to revitalize your item. 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.

Prizes

K– 2nd grade:

  • Creative STEM Building Kit and Electronics Exploration STEM Kit

3rd – 5th grade:

  • Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy Electronics Exploration Kit

6th – 8th grade:

  • Makey Makey + Expansion Pack and Chromebook

9th – 12th grade:

  • Arduino + Electronic Fun Kit, Arduino Without Prior Knowledge book, and Chromebook

 

Winners:
  • Atticus S. from AZ
  • Aadhav B. from CA
  • Advik B. MN
  • Chunru H. from TN
  • Ahmad A. from PA
  • Magdy G. from TN
  • Jacqueline P. CA
  • Mila A. from PA

Are you curious about life on other planets? ORISE invites you to unleash your creativity and imagination! We are looking for original presentations where you design a unique creature and explain three adaptations that would make it able to survive on the planet you have chosen. The planet can be real or make believe, but remember, your creature’s adaptations should be appropriate for the environment and your presentation should include scientific evidence to back up your design.

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

Prizes

K-2 nd grade:

  • GeoSafari Jr Telescope, Ozobot Evo Kit

3 rd-5 th grade :

  • Telescope & Tripod, Ozobot Evo Kit, OzoGoes Solar System Kit

6 th-8 th grade:

  • Lego Technic Solar System Set, Celestron Telescope & Tripod, Mars Puzzle Set

9 th-12 th grade:

  • Celestron Telescope & Tripod, Este 3 Rocket Kit, Recovery Wadding, Engines, and platform
Winners:
  • Alexander W. from TN
  • Alice K. from TN
  • Mukta M. from NJ
  • Amy X. from AZ
  • William L. from LA
  • Neel S. from NJ
  • Leela K. from GA
  • Ian B. from PA
  • Caylee B. from TN
  • King V. from CA
  • Elina G. from NJ
  • Nga R. from KY

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

Winners:

  • Karenna A. from KY
  • Yuktha N. from WA
  • Kate P. from TN
  • Cyrus M. from KY
  • Rajanya P. from OR
  • Shanaya P. from FL
  • Gabriella P. from TN
  • Harper W. from KY
  • Emily F. from KY
  • Aashini D. from NJ
  • Oyinkansola O. from GA
  • Zachary F. from GA

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:

  • Lily A. from KY
  • Emily B. from TN
  • Ishank A. from VA
  • Rowan S. from FL
  • Chunru H. from TN
  • Crystal S. from GA
  • Josiah C. from GA
  • Anna D. from TN
  • Gary B. from FL
  • Yandres R. from FL

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