STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

Cooking in STEM Student Challenge

STEM Competitions for K-12 Students

Deadline: on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, September 30th

CALLING ALL STUDENTS!!

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.

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

Details:

  • A project includes a presentation of your choice (PowerPoint slides, video (1-2 minutes), stop-motion, etc.…) that shows the process of creating your dish and the scientific explanation behind what you cooked.
  • Be sure to choose to cook something that is appropriate for your age and abilities and be sure to have adult supervision.
  • If your submission is a link (example WeVideo, Vimeo, or Google), please make sure the privacy and sharing settings allow reviewers to access it. If it is not accessible, it may not be scored.
  • Do not include your last name on your presentation- just first name and state. You can put your personal information on the submission form, but for your privacy when we upload, we will need your presentation without personal identification.
  • Projects must be submitted on the following form: https://orausurvey.orau.org/n/CookingInSTEM.aspx
  • Projects will be graded based on a rubric (.pdf).
  • Winners will be announced late October.
  • You must be a student in a U.S., U.S. territory, or DoDEA School.
  • Students in any schooling situation, including public, private, and homeschool are eligible to enter the competition.
  • Students are only eligible to win 2 ORISE competitions in a 12-month period.

How to Enter:

  • To enter the contest, complete the form at https://orausurvey.orau.org/n/CookingInSTEM.aspx and attach your file. Make sure you include your parent or guardian’s contact information so we can get their permission to post your file on our website. The contest opens on Sunday, September 1, 2024. The submission deadline is 11:59m. EST on Monday, September 30, 2024.

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

Past competitions and winners

CALLING ALL STUDENTS!!

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.

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!

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-2 nd, three for 3 rd-5 th, three for 6 th-8 th, and three for 9 th-12 th.

Prizes

K-5 th grade:

  • Amazon Fire Pro Kids Tablet with Case and Gyroscope

6 th-8 th grade:

  • Amazon Fire Max 11 with Stylus and Gyroscope

9 th-12 th 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

From national anthems to your favorite pop beat, we can likely agree that music connects people; but have you ever used music to connect to a STEM concept? ORISE wants to see how you combine STEM and music! We ask that you create a music video of a song with self-written lyrics that addresses at least one concept in STEM! 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:

  • iRobot Root Coding Robot
  • E-Blox Building Blocks STEM Circuit Kit

6th-12th grade:

  • Finch Robot 2.0 and pens
  • Raycon Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds

Winners:

K-5th Grade

  • Alexander M., APT Homeschool, TN
  • Alice K., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN
  • Ellie W., Hamilton County Virtual School, TN
  • Tinsley L., Harrison Elementary School, TN
  • Haley K., Harrison Elementary School, TN
  • Owen C., Hearst Elementary School, CA

6th-12th Grade

  • Claire R., South Doyle Middle School, TN
  • Connie S., Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, TN
  • Vineeta S., Glenda Dawson High School, TX
  • Ana C., Miami Palmetto Senior High School, FL
  • Hillah A., Miami Palmetto Senior High School, FL
  • Alexandra M., Miami Palmetto Senior High School, FL

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

3rd-12th: Have you ever wished you could build your own school? ORISE is giving you an opportunity to put those wishes to paper! We ask that you think through the process of creating your very own STEM academy from scratch. You must create an advertisement intended to recruit new students and families to your school! You get to choose the way in which you advertise your school; it can be through a graphic, pamphlet, video commercial, etc. The plan can be hand drawn or made with a digital platform. We ask that you include a narrative in the perspective of a student on the 1st day of school at your STEM academy somewhere in your advertisement. Lastly, one of the most important aspects of your school are the details (e.g., who are the teachers, what classes are offered, etc.). Don’t forget to include details!

Students in 6th-12th grades have an additional challenge to include into their school advertisement. Your advertisement must also include a school philosophy statement explaining your school’s view on STEM and how it is incorporated into the school.

Students in K-2nd grades have the option of filling out the My STEM Academy worksheet.

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.

K-2 Winners:

  • Kolbie R., St. Clair Elementary School, TN
  • Alexander M., APT Homeschool, TN
  • Alice K., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN

3-5 Winners:

  • Ojasvi M., West Field Elementary School, OK
  • Olivia E., Lake Ridge Elementary School, TN
  • Claire A., Towne Acres Elementary School, TN

6-8 Winners:

  • Simeon B., The School for the Creative and Performing Arts at Bluegrass, KY
  • Calla S., Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, TN
  • Zain M., The School for the Creative and Performing Arts at Bluegrass, KY

9-12 Winners:

  • Iris Y., Farragut High School, TN
  • Jenny N., Westminster High School, CA
  • Sean O., Tesoro High School, CA

Prizes

K-2nd grade:

  • iPad and Osmo Kit

3rd-5th grade:

  • iPad and Dash coding robot

6th-8th grade:

  • iPad, Apple Pencil, and GoCube Bluetooth cube

9th-12th grade:

  • iPad and Apple Pencil

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