If you are the kind of student who likes everything science and won’t shy away from science-related questions, then participating in science competitions should be fun for you. In this guide, we have listed ten science competitions for high school and elementary school students that you would love to participate in.
Every year, thousands of high school students challenge themselves in online and offline science competitions, in math, physics, chemistry, and other STEM subjects. More students seem to show up in domestic and international competitions not only in science, mathematics, or STEM courses in general but also in writing, literature, critical thinking, problem-solving, debate, and many other areas.
This makes it more difficult to figure out where to spend your time researching domestic and international competitions. With limited time and resources, it can be difficult for parents, educators, and students to know what science fair or competition to participate in other than science.
Stay Informed Group Team prepared this article to help parents, educators, and students navigate the world of academic completion for domestic and international students.
What are Science Competitions for High School and Elementary School Students?
Science or scientific competitions are events organized by schools or other organizations around the world for high school, and elementary school students who love science projects and are interested in participating in competitions. The feature of a science competition is that project entries use the scientific method to test a hypothesis.
Science fairs are not mere exhibitions of projects. The students present the results of their science projects in the form of a report, a blackboard display, and/or models created by them. At science competitions, secondary and elementary school students can take part in scientific and/or technological activities.
The idea and goal of an international or domestic science fair or competition is for students to answer a question based on a hypothesis. Students often work on science fair projects in addition to their homework. Therefore, most entries of the science fair are generally modified versions of already existing experiments. Scoreboards help convey the nuances of a project to the judges, visitors, and other participants at the science fair or competition.
The science competition also provides a mechanism for students with a keen interest in science. They are also partnered or merged with mentors from nearby colleges and universities to provide them with access to education and equipment available in the local school.
Read Also: List of Global Competitions for Students 2024
Benefits of STEM and Science Competitions for High School and Elementary Students
Indeed, STEM competitions provide an indispensable structure for those who just want to get into science, tech, engineering, and mathematics -while providing an opportunity for skill development for those who are more advanced in coding and developing games, robotics, and much more.
The benefits of science competitions for students domestic or international in middle school include the ability for students to think critically and, in some cases, work independently or work together as a team in others to improve collaboration and social skills.
Also, good competition for those who are just starting in the science or STEM-related area can offer little pressure and a low entry barrier.
Science competitions for middle school offer opportunities for everyone on the experience ladder. In any case, all participants can look forward to real problem-solving, challenges that require practical participation, and innovative thinking. We haven’t talked about the enjoyment and the pleasure factor that come from such competitions.
How to get started with any Science Competition
As mentioned earlier, the good news is that there are countless competitions (STEM competitions) to think about, and more are added every year.
The not-so-good thing here is that I have no idea where you live and I will have to do my best to list the best domestic and international science and STEM competition that I can find! This list is therefore fluid, and even if the year is rolling, there have already been some opportunities that have gone, and new ones are still coming
How to win Science Competitions for Middle School and Elementary School Students
We have discussed some tips that would help you win high school science competitions with ease. The tips will also be of benefit to elementary school students who are also looking science competitions for at their level.
Choose a topic that interests you
First of all, make ensure you choose a topic that interests you. It is said that, in science or general STEM competition, the person with the superior idea or ideas wins.
Once you’ve chosen a topic, do a lot of research. Learn everything about your topic. This is probably the most important step of all. Become an expert in your field, because this is what science fairs and STEM competitions for elementary and middle school students are designed for: they teach students an important scientific concept.
Plan your project
State the goal, discover the controls and variables, and build your hypothesis. Then make a plan of how you will experiment with it. Also, think about the possible data that results from your experiment. It is better to think about it before you even start the experiment.
Keep a laboratory booklet (also called an activity journal). Make notes, lots of notes, in your lab book. Don’t forget to record your goal, your process, your material, your variables (these are the things that change), your controls (these are the things that stay the same), and your data. This is important for all the science competitions for middle school students you can think of.
Make an assumption and test it
Remember, a hypothesis is a guess that is informed, not a question. one of the most important tips on how to win science competitions for middle school is to make sure that you don’t make assumptions only; also test your assumption and know whether or not it is true as science itself is based on proven theories.
Work
Don’t be discouraged if you have problems. It is natural and real scientists hit it every day. Judges also love perseverance, so stick with it. Indicate whether your hypothesis has proven to be true. Write your conclusion.
Find out what happened and why and document the result.
Make your display
Repeat your presentation in front of your parents, friends, and family members. Listen to your parents’ suggestions, but also remember to take the dog’s suggestions with a grain of salt.
List of local and international science competitions 2020
This list includes domestic and international competitions open to kids, middle-aged, adults, and anybody who would want to get involved in any science competition listed here.
1. Google Science Fair
This science online competition is open to students aged 13 to 18 from all over the world who work alone or as a team. Google through this international competition is looking for great ideas and can’t wait to see what young people can think of. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to explore passionate ideas, learn more about science, and maybe develop an idea that will change the world.
Competition Prizes
The top prize includes a National Geographic trip to the Galapagos Islands and a $50,000 in scholarship. Finalists receive a $15,000 scholarship and various packages from sponsoring organizations.
Eligibility:
This is one of the high school science competitions where participants must be between 13 and 18 years old to participate.
Nobody can register before the age of 13 or take part in the competition. If a participant reaches the age of 19 during the submission period, he will not be disqualified. All participants must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in this online international science competition.
- Managing Organization: Google Inc.
- Contact: sciencefair@google.com
- Entry Fee: $0
- This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.
2. Regeneron Science Talent Search competitions for High School Students
Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel STS) is the most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors to show their science competition ideas. Since 1942, Science Talent Search has provided the best and brightest young scientists, with a national stage for presenting original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.
Application Process
Submit an original science research project for review by expert judges. The finalists are brought to Washington DC each year to make the final judgment and to present their work to the public.
Competition Prizes
The Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists come from schools in as many as 21 states. They compete for more than $ 1.8 million with a first prize of $ 250,000
- Managing Organization: Society for Science
- Contact: sts@societyforscience.org
- Registration Closes Nov 23,
3. Broadcom MASTERS science competition
Broadcom MASTERS is aimed at grades 6 through 8 and it’s an international science, engineering, math, and technology competition encouraging young scientists, engineers and innovators from across the country.
Application Process
Complete a science project and submit the project to an affiliated science fair to be selected as a finalist and participate in the main event.
Eligibility
Students from all over the world. Students must be able to join a partner in an affiliated competition
Competition Prizes
- $25,000 grand prize for the best STEM student
- $20,000 for the biggest promise in health-related areas
- $10,000 award for the best innovator with technical skills and an electrotechnical project
Contact
- Managing Organization: Society for Science and the Public
- Contact: masters@societyforscience.org
- Entry Fee: $0
- This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.
4. Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Competitions for High School Students
This is one of the science competitions for high school and elementary school students can participate in for recognition by presenting the results of their STEM projects to a panel of judges and an audience of their colleagues, and peers.
Opportunities for practical workshops, round tables, career explorations, visits to research laboratories, and networking benefit the participating students. The regional JSHS symposia take place at 48 university campuses across the country and welcome students from all 50 states.
Application Process
Students apply online and submit their research plan and a summary to participate in the science competition.
These submissions will first be reviewed to verify compliance with the competition rules regarding the format and content of the submitted documents. In the presentations, students are asked to submit their white paper and PowerPoint slideshow at a specific time before the competition.
During the event, the participants in the first round give an oral presentation of their project with their slides to a panel of judges. The 10 best presenters are identified and asked to orally present again in a final round.
Competition Prizes
Undergraduate tuition scholarships totaling $4,500 are disbursed by each region to students.
- 1st Place receives $2,000
- 2nd Place receives $1,500
- 3rd Place receives $1,000
- Managing Organization: UNM STEM-H Center for Outreach, Research & Education
- Contact: Erin Garcia scifair@unm.edu 505-277-4916
- Entry Fee: $0
Registration Closes Feb 13
5. Stockholm Junior Water Prize competitions for high school students
Inspired by the Stockholm Water Prize for adults, this international science competition awakens young people’s enthusiasm for water-related issues and creates an international community of young scientists who are united by the aquatic environment.
Students who have completed water science projects are encouraged to apply to share their research and receive a $10,000 scholarship. The projects should aim to improve the quality of life by improving water quality, managing water resources or treating water and wastewater. Projects can investigate water problems at the local, regional, national, or global level using a research-based approach.
Application Process
Only projects nominated by the national organizer in each participating country can take part in national competitions. National and international science competitions are open to students aged 15 to 20 who are enrolled in a high school or equivalent. Students should not have started a university degree. Projects can be carried out by a single student or a group of students. A maximum of two students can represent the project in Stockholm.
Eligibility
The National and international science competitions are open to middle school students ages 15 to 20 and 15 to 18.
Projects can be carried out by a single student or a group of students. A maximum of two students can represent the project in Stockholm. Students must take part in regional or national competitions. Visit the competition website to find the national coordinators in your area.
Competition Prizes
The international Stockholm Junior Prize winner will be awarded $15,000 in scholarships and a blue sculpture ( crystal).
- Managing Organization: Stockholm International Water Institute
- Contact: Ania Andersch ania.andersch@siwi.org +46 8 121 360 59
- Entry Fee: $0
- This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.
6. iGEM competitions for Middle School students
The iGEM competition is an annual global synthetic biology event for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students. Multidisciplinary teams put in their time to work all summer to build genetically modified systems using standard biological parts called BioBricks.
IGEM teams work inside and outside the laboratory and develop challenging projects that should make a positive contribution to communities and the world at large.
Eligibility
High school students, undergraduate students, and graduates from all over the world can participate in teams.
Competition Prizes
The Grand Prize winning team will receive a large Lego metal brick. The winning team can keep this challenge trophy for a year until it is awarded to the next “grand winner”. Participants in the Grand Prize Winner team also receive Challenge Coins for that particular year.
- Managing Organization: IGEM Foundation
- Contact: hq@igem.org
- This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.
7. BioGENEius Challenges
Take part in an international science competition with some of the best scientific minds in the world of FsteFSTEM. Students are encouraged to develop scientific research projects in three broad areas: global health care, global environment, and global sustainability.
The students then present their work to innovators from industry who are positively changing the scientific landscape. This is one of the competitions open to high school students.
Application Process
The students should come up with new and diverse project ideas in the three areas of competence. The judges, chosen for their knowledge, talent and experience in each of the three areas, provide personal feedback on each student’s project.
BioGENEius projects focus on the expected results of the work and not on the process or processes by which they are achieved. Students present their projects in the field of scientific biotechnology to groups of professional biotechnologists for prizes.
Eligibility
International students from high schools or secondary schools are eligible to participate in this science competition. You can follow the official page online for more information about this international science competition
Competition Prizes
- The first national competition for science students and a great opportunity to network with young colleagues.
- Winners will have the opportunity to meet and get advised by researchers and industry experts who are transforming the biotechnology industry positively.
- Winners will experience the BIO International Convention and discover the innovations and excitement of the industry conference.
- Local partners from BioGENEius and the Biotechnology Institute will support winners and other participants in providing a traveling fair for the International BIO Convention.
Contacts
Managing Organization: Biotech Institute
- Contact: info@biotechinstitute.org
- Entry Fee: $0
- This competition has not yet posted any deadlines.
8. Modeling the Future Challenge international online science competition
Online science competition challenges students from various high schools to use real and mathematical data to predict how new technologies could change the future! The challenge helps students learn data analysis, mathematical modeling, and actuarial science.
By participating in the MTF Challenge, students learn to analyze data and create mathematical models to use this data to predict what will happen in the future. Each year, a technological theme is selected in which students identify and characterize how they believe technology will change the future.
9. AoCMM Math Modeling Competition
The AoCMM Mathematical Modeling Contest is one of the online science and STEM competitions for college and high school students that offer the perfect opportunity to use your interests, ideas, and skills in mathematical modeling in a competitive and friendly environment.
In addition to developing network, communication, and team skills, there are many prestigious awards to be awarded! Also, the constructive feedback from the panel of judges should help you to further develop your skills personally and for future careers, even improve in science competition ideas for other competitions. Also, this competition is ideal for people with experience in mathematical modeling!
Application Process
The teams for this science fair answer one or more mathematical modeling questions that require them to build models to provide a solution to the problem. The teams then submit their solutions online.
Eligibility
Participants from all countries under the age of 20 are eligible to participate. Each team should have no more than four members who do not have to attend the same school. if you must, then you have to check out other science fairs, and competitions.
Competition Prizes
All participating teams receive electronic certificates.
Top 1% | Grand Prize | $200 |
Top 3% | Alpha Prize | $50 |
Top 8% | Beta Prize* | |
Top 15% | Gamma Prize |
Managing Organization: AoCMM
- Contact: contact@aocmm.org
- Entry Fee: $10
- Registration Closes Feb 1.
10. Mathworks Math Modeling Challenge
This is an online non-international math and science competition for juniors and seniors that inspires them to ideas of a career in STEM or related major. In three to five teams, the participants solve an open mathematical modeling problem in 14 hours, which focuses on a realistic problem.
The competition, organized by the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) and sponsored by the main software developer MathWorks, is free and open to all American students.
Application Process
Students submit a written document with a mathematical model that solves a specific real-world problem that occurs every year.
Eligibility
Grade 11 and 12 students from all parts of the United States, including DoDEA areas and schools, can participate. Students from home school and cyber schools in these regions are also eligible. The teams must consist of three to five students and a teacher coach. A maximum of two teams can be registered per school.
Competition Prizes
- M3 Challenge Champions $20,000.
- M3 Challenge Runner Up $15,000.
- M3 Challenge Third Place $10,000.
- M3 Challenge Finalist $5,000 (3 teams)
Contact
- Managing Organization: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)
- Contact: M3challenge@siam.org 215 382 9800
- Entry Fee: $0
- Registration Closes Feb 21.
Frequently Asked Questions about Science Competitions for High School and Elementary School Students
What are science competitions?
Science or scientific competitions are events organized by schools or other organizations around the world for high school, and elementary school students who love science projects and are interested in participating in competitions.
Why should students participate in science competitions?
Participating in science competitions enhances students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They gain hands-on experience in scientific research and engineering by competing with other students and engaging with experts. Science fair prepares students for the competitive huddle for college admission –students can also receive awards or scholarships by participating in these competitions.
What age groups can participate in science competitions?
Science competitions are available to elementary school kids (grades K-5), middle school students (grades 6-8), and high school students (grades 9-12). For elementary school kids, the completion is just simple experiments and creative challenges, while middle school students participate in more structured science projects. High schoolers participate in advanced competitions that involve research, data analysis, and experimentation.
What is the most famous science competition?
The Science Talent Search (formerly Intel STS) is the most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors to show their science competition ideas. Since 1942, Science Talent Search has provided the best and brightest young scientists, with a national stage for presenting original research to nationally recognized professional scientists.
What is the most prestigious science fair for high schoolers?
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) remains the most highly rated sciences competition for high schoolers worldwide, specifically those in grades 9-12.
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