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The BLaST IU17 K’NEX STEM Design Challenge raises awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Students in Grades 4-8 participate in an exciting competition where they are tasked with designing, developing, and implementing a solution to an engineering problem. Students are scored on creativity, teamwork, and the challenge’s success.

Regional Registration:BLaST IU 17 STEM Design Registration

Regional Competition:March 21, 2023
Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA

State Competition:Date TBA

 

2023 Challenge 

Challenge Coming Soon!

Rules:  
• A team of 2-4 students will work together on the project. 
• This year we are asking students to create their prototype using recyclable materials and/or K’Nex.
• Each team will need to create and submit a design notebook and a blueprint.
• Each team will need to prepare a presentation (max 2 minutes) on their model and how they answered the challenge.

Judging Criteria: 
• Creativity
• Teamwork
• Challenge Success
• Design
• Presentation

Awards: 
• Awards will be given to top three teams in grades 4-5 and grades 6-8
• The 1st place team in each division (grades 4-5 and grades 6-8) at each Intermediate Unit regional competition will advance to the state competition.

Parts of the competition:

Design Notebook 
• This should be a journal of the team’s progress from start to finish.
• The Notebook should include elements of the Engineering Design Process.
• Resources for Design Notebooks

Blueprint 
• A blueprint is a technical drawing or design plan for a project. It is used to represent the final product.
• Blueprints for the STEM Design Challenge can be a photo, drawing, cad drawing, online sketch, etc. Be creative!
• Resources for blueprint ideas

Prototype 
• Teams will answer the challenge by creating a prototype of their idea. This year teams may use recyclable materials or K’Nex pieces.
• Teams may include a backdrop or artwork, but judges will not consider this in their scoring.

Presentation 
• Teams are asked to share their ideas in a presentation for the judges.
• Each presentation will be 2 minutes or less.
• Every student on the team should present.
• Judges may ask questions of the team after the presentation.
• Teams may be required to submit a video of their presentation for the competition.
Resources for presentation videos

Scoring Rubrics
Teams may use this rubric of the judging criteria while preparing their projects

Padlet Resource for Advisors

Contact Lexie Diaz with any questions.