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STEM Design Challenge

The 2026 STEM Design Challenge is Eco-Factory: Build a Sustainable Production Machine!

STEM Design Challenge written out with icons representing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

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: 
  • 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.

For more information about the STEM Design Challenge, please go to the competition website.

This year’s Bucks County STEM Design Challenge format will include the initial round of competition being held virtually with no limit to participation. All teams that want to participate are invited to register! Round 1 judges will be invited to a one-day judging session at the Fab Lab Center (see date listed below). All participating schools will be required to send a judge to the judging day. The top 15 teams from each competition (elementary and middle school) will then be invited to an in-person final round of competition at the Fab Lab Center.  
Important dates for the 2026 STEM Design Challenge are outlined below.
  • Late Fall 2025: The 2026 STEM Design Challenge task will be released and linked to from here when available.
  • January 6-16, 2026: STEM Design Challenge Team Registration is Open - Click Here!
  • March 6, 2026: STEM Design Challenge Projects Due via Google Folders (links will be sent to chaperones)
  • March 10, 2026: Judging Day! All participating schools will be required to send a judge to the in-person judging day at the Fab Lab Center.
  • March 14, 2026: Announcement of Top 12 Teams for Elementary and Middle School – Invitations to STEM Design Challenge Finals Will Be Sent
  • Thursday, April 9, 2026: Middle School STEM Design Challenge Finals at the Fab Lab Center
  • Friday, April 10, 2026: Elementary STEM Design Challenge Finals at the Fab Lab Center

For questions regarding the STEM Design Challenge, please email STEAM@BucksIU.org.