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Student Programs & Academic Competitions

  • K’NEX STEM Design Challenge

    • Brief Overview: The STEM Design Challenge is an engineering design competition for students in grades 4-8.  Teams of between 2 and 4 students work to solve a problem.  They will create a project using K'Nex, write a Design Notebook, and submit a blueprint.  The winning team at the regional competition will be eligible to compete at the state competition in May.

    • The 2024 - 2025 challenge will be announced in November 2024.

    • For more information about the STEM Design Challenge, contact: Diane McGaffic

  • Powering Pittsburgh - Steelers STEM(grades 9 - 12)

    • Brief Overview: Teams of up to 4 high school students will develop unique ideas to power Heinz Field / Pittsburgh in the future using renewable resources.  Winning teams move on to the regional competition at Heinz Field in November.  Winners at the regional competition can earn a Steelers Game Day Experience and a $1500 donation towards their school’s STEM program.  No fee to participate.

  • Governor’s STEM(grades 9 - 12)

    • Teams of up to five high school students are tasked with the challenge of using their STEM skills and knowledge to solve a problem in their community. 

    • For more information on the Governor’s STEM Challenge, please go to the Governor's STEM Competition page.

  • PA Media & Design Competition (grades 6 - 12)

    • Registration and Information about the PA Media and Design Competition can be found here.

    • More information and Registration will open for the 2024 - 2025 competition in Fall 2024, check back later.

  • Wild Investigations at the Pittsburgh Zoo (grades 3 - 6)

    • Brief Overview:Students in grades 3-6 are invited to a day of Wild Investigations with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.  There will be challenging science problems, scavenger hunts and visits from live animals. 

    • Fee - $16 per student

    • 2025 Schedule - Tuesday, March 18th, 9:30am-1pm

    • Sign Up Link: https://forms.gle/G7VibkSRskBx6rXS6 

    • For more information or questions please contact: Halee McCance

  • Eco Challenge(grades 2 - 12) partnering with AIU3

    • Join us for the kick-off event of the 2024-2025 Phipps Fairchild Challenge!  After a brief welcome, students will rotate between three environmentally focused activities, including exploring the conservatory and diving into scientific observation, creative writing, and nature connection. Middle school students will also have an environmental education program on Wednesday, and high school students will interview our Phipps Botany in Action fellows about their research on Thursday.

    • At this event, your school can learn more about the Phipps Fairchild Challenge and find out how your classes can take part in this free, multidisciplinary, standards-based environmental education outreach program that gives high school, middle school, and elementary school students an opportunity to creatively address environmental issues.

    • Please note that there is a $5 per student fee for this program. 

    • 2024 Schedule:

    • Elementary Day - September 17, 9:30am-12:30pm

    • Middle School Day - September 18, 9:15am-12:30pm

    • High School Day (MS may register for this day as well) - September 19, 9:15am-12:30pm

    • For more information or questions please contact: Halee McCance

  • COMING SOON - CalcuSolve (grades 5 - 8)

    • CalcuSolve is a math competition where students compete individually and as part of a team of 4 students.  There are 9 math problems, 7 individual and 2 team problems.  Students earn points based on correct answers given during a set amount of time.

    • For more information or questions please contact: Halee McCance