NASA TechRise Student Challenge
Posted on September 28th, 2022 by Mary Lord
NASA’s TechRise Student Challenge invites U.S. students in grades 6 to 12 to submit ideas for experiments to be launched on high-altitude research balloons. Some 60 winning teams will receive $1,500 to build their experiments plus an assigned berth for their payloads on a NASA balloon flight.
Filed under: Competitions and Contests, K-12 Outreach Programs, Special Features | Comments Off on NASA TechRise Student Challenge
Tags: Aerospace, atmostpheric research, Competitions for Students, Contest, Engineering Design, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, high-altitude balloon, Information in Spanish, NASA, NASA TechRise Student Challenge, Pollution, space exploration
Teams of students in grades 7 to 9 follow the engineering design process to create, construct, test, and improve model solar sails made of aluminum foil to move cardboard tube satellites through “space” on a string. During the process, they learn about Newton’s laws of motion and the transfer of energy from wave energy to mechanical energy. 
The Congressional App Challenge works to inspire middle and high school students in congressional districts across the country through hands-on practice with coding and computer science. Registration launches on June 24, but students can pre-register now. Deadline to submit apps: Nov. 1, 2021.
Students in grades 5 to 7 learn about how muscles work and follow the engineering design process to create their own biomedical device to aid in the recovery of a strained bicep. They discover the importance of rest to muscle recovery and that muscles (just like engineers!) work together to achieve a common goal.
Students in grades 7 to 9 explore mathematical algorithms and geometric concepts to devise possible solutions to how a robotic vacuum should move to best clean a floor of unknown shape and dimensions. They brainstorm, analyze, and present the best of the generated ideas before being introduced to an elegant solution that involves a random number generator determining which direction the robot will take when it hits a barrier. Note: Activity uses LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robot and software. 
Broadway tech, robotics, and racecar engineering are among dozens of engaging, interactive sessions being presented at Awesome Girls: National Girl Scout STEM Festival, a free virtual showcase for K-12 girls – including non-Girl Scouts – and their families. Register by April 9 for the Saturday, April 17 event. 
Students in grades 6-8 use their knowledge about how healthy heart valves function to design, construct, and implant prototype replacement mitral valves for hypothetical patients’ hearts. In the process, they discover the pros and cons of different types of artificial heart valves based on materials, surgery requirements, and lifespan.
To support parents everywhere and provide access to hands-on STEM activities, the American Society for Engineering Education’s P-12 Commission is offering online summer camps for students in grades K-8. Check out these and other virtual summer STEM programs!
Most kids think scientists and engineers are men. Mission Unstoppable With Miranda Cosgrove, a new CBS Saturday morning program aims to inspire teenage girls to pursue STEM by showcasing female STEM researchers and their exciting work. 
