The BLaST IU17 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: April 16, 2026
Lycoming College
State Competition: The 2026 state competition will be held on Friday, May 8 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA
2026 Challenge
Eco-Factory: Build a Sustainable Production Machine
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
In this challenge, elementary and middle school students will design a section of a factory that produces a product using sustainable practices by preparing a prototype constructed of K’Nex and/or Engino, that showcases how their functioning machine works, and how it supports environmentally responsible production.
The machine prototype should clearly demonstrate sustainability principles by minimizing waste, maximizing efficiency, and/or simulating the use of recycled, reusable, or otherwise sustainable parts, materials, or resources.
Teams may choose to incorporate recycled or reused materials into other aspects of the model outside of the K’Nex/Engino prototype, such as background settings, factory signage or products, or visual representation of sustainable resources to highlight environmentally responsible thinking and enhance the model’s commitment to sustainability
Competition Rules:
-A team of 2-4 students will work together on the project.
-Prototype Materials: K’Nex and/or Engino (up to 1400 pieces.) String, tape, and rubber bands are permitted. 3D printed pieces are NOT allowed.
-Supplementary Materials: (Optional) Recycled or reused materials may be incorporated into other aspects of the model outside of the K’Nex/Engino prototype. See challenge.
-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. Prototypes 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.
Additionally, over the past few years, we have noticed that it is becoming increasingly difficult to purchase or find K’Nex pieces and motors. Because of this, we wanted to add a new product for schools to consider using – Engino. Teams may continue to use K’Nex, move to Engino, or use a combination of both products. Incorporating a K’Nex motor is no longer required.
Awards:
• Awards will be given to the 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 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 using K’Nex and/or Engino.
- Teams may include a backdrop or artwork, but judges will not consider this in their scoring.
- Projects must fit on a 6-foot-long table. Water may not be used in the display.
Scoring Rubrics
Teams may use the rubrics below while preparing their projects:
For more information about the STEM Design Challenge, please go to the competition website.
Contact Shanna Haden with any questions.