Generating enough energy to heat and cool homes, fuel industries, and sustain the world’s 7 billion people is one of society’s grand challenges. And breakthrough ideas can come from anywhere — including from students!

“The Power of Engineering,” the theme of this year’s TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) competition, gives middle and high school students the chance to investigate and solve real-world problems related to energy and engineering. Working in groups of four to eight, students apply their science and math knowledge to tackle scenarios involving solar, nuclear, and electrical power as well as biofuels.

TEAMS is a program of the Technology Student Association, a national nonprofit organization for students engaged in STEM academic areas. Past TEAMS competitions have  focused such topics as improving cities, including ensuring adequate fresh water supplies. The goal is to provide an integrated STEM learning experience that gives students an inside look at the way engineers address problems and increased their self-confidence and teamwork skills.

Teams compete at their own school or at a host university during a one-day competition held between February 9 and March 21, 2015. High school teams vie to complete 80 multiple choice questions and five short essays in two 90-minute sessions. Middle school students have an hour to complete 40 multiple choice questions, and another hour to finish four short essays.

Top ranking teams are invited to compete at the TEAMS national contest, which will take place June 28 – July 2, 2015, in Dallas, Texas, during the national TSA conference. More than 6,800 students and educators participated in last year’s conference, with middle and high school members competing in 60 events that included agricultural engineering, music production, and video-game design.

Each registered TEAMS coach receives preparatory materials including a Coach Guide, competition scenarios, supplemental resources and tips for group decision-making and problem-solving strategies. These materials are accessible after team registration is active. The website includes sample questions from past contests and a monthly math challenge (starting in November).

Registration for the 2015 TEAMS competition is now open. Find out more about TEAMS today at teams.tsaweb.org or contact Sandy Honour, TEAMS Manager, at shonour@tsaweb.org or call toll free at (888) 860-9010.

Filed under: Competitions and Contests, K-12 Outreach Programs, Special Features

Tags: Competitions for Students, Contest, Electrical Engineering, Energy, engineering contests, nuclear, power, Programs for Students, Solar Energy, STEM education, teams, Technology Student Association, TSA