Competitions
The STEM Action Center has compiled a list of competitions for Utah students to test their STEM skills with other students around the state and nation. These include competitions in environmental science, engineering & technology, and science in space. Find the competition that is right for you!
Utah Envirothon
The Utah Natural Resources Competition Event motivates students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex issues and challenges associated with the management of natural resources while empowering them to be active and involved citizens. Teams of five students must, over the course of the school year, prepare themselves for this two-day outdoor competition, usually held in late April each year. The event serves as the Utah State Qualifier for four national natural resources competitions.
Learn more about Utah Envirothon
National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a residential science education program that selects two young STEM enthusiasts from each state the summer after they graduate from high school. At the West Virginia camp, students will participate with other students from all over the country in learning projects and activities to broaden their exposure to new fields in science and engineering. Students who are selected will attend the NYSCamp FREE of charge.
Learn more about Nation Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp)
Genes in Space
Life on Earth has evolved under the effects of our gravity and the protection of our atmosphere. Manned space exploration opens up amazing new opportunities for life, and serious challenges too. If you’ve ever wondered how astronauts might survive a deep-space mission or how we might use biology to transform new worlds, Genes in Space is for you! This experiment encourages students to propose an experiment that utilizes molecular biology capabilities aboard the ISS, specifically polymerase chain reaction (PCR), then test their hypothesis in the ultimate lab: The International Space Station. Additionally, teachers can turn contest submissions into a class assignment that is aligned with national standards.
Learn more about Genes in Space
Technology & Engineering Competitions
Since 1988, tens of thousands of students have competed in our annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contests where they are challenged to build the wackiest, working Rube Goldberg Machine that completes a common task. The competitions encourage teamwork and out-of-the-box problem solving, in a fresh learning environment and level playing field. All you need is a good imagination and a pile of junk.
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Science Competition
The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision science competition encourages K-12 students to imagine what technology might be like in the future while experiencing scientific process and discovery in an engaging, hands-on way. Let’s empower the next generation of inventors, scientists, and leaders. It’s not too late to register your teams.
The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation exists to connect students, mentors, and schools in every community to a variety of successful and engaging technology-based programs. Our goal is to provide these programs with services, solutions, and a community that allows them to flourish in a way that fosters the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for students to succeed in the 21st Century. To see our list of available robotics competitions in Utah, check out our website.