The Ultimate Guide to Middle School STEM Competitions

Aug 22, 2024

Eashan Iyer

Middle school is a crucial time for students to explore their interests, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Participating in STEM competitions can be an enriching experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

This guide provides an overview of five notable middle school STEM competitions, covering eligibility, important dates, and what each competition entails. It also gives you tips on how to prepare and win these challenges.

Top 5 Middle School STEM Competitions

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge

Thermo Fisher JIC is one of the most prestigious STEM competitions for middle school students in the United States.

It’s designed to inspire young scientists, engineers, and innovators by recognizing students who have already participated in a Society for Science-affiliated fair.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. students in grades 6-8. Students must have participated in a regional or state science fair that is affiliated with the Society for Science.
Key Dates:
- Nomination: After participating in an affiliated science fair, students may be nominated by the fair’s organizers.
- Application Deadline: Typically in June.
- Semifinalists Announced: September.
- Finalists Announced: October.

Students compete by submitting a project they developed for their local science fair. Semifinalists and finalists are selected based on the creativity, scientific rigor, and potential impact of their work.

Finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., where they present their projects and participate in team challenges.

This competition is a fantastic opportunity for middle schoolers to gain national recognition and win scholarships.

3M Young Scientist Challenge

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages middle school students to create innovative solutions to everyday problems.

It’s known as America’s premier middle school science competition, offering a platform for young scientists to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. students in grades 5-8.
Key dates:
- Submission Deadline: Typically in April.
- Finalists Announced: June.
- Final Competition: October.

Students enter by submitting a 1-2 minute video describing a new invention or solution that could improve everyday life.

Ten finalists are chosen to work with 3M scientists as mentors over the summer to refine their ideas.

The final competition involves presenting their projects to a panel of judges, with the winner earning the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a $25,000 prize.

This competition is perfect for creative thinkers who love solving real-world problems.

American Mathematics Competition 8

The AMC 8 is a mathematics competition designed to cultivate an interest in mathematics and problem-solving among middle school students.

It’s a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice exam that challenges students to apply their math skills in new and exciting ways.

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8 and below. No specific qualifications are required, but a strong foundation in mathematics is recommended.
Key dates:
- Registration Opens: September.
- Competition Date: Typically in November and January.

Students take the AMC 8 exam at their school or a nearby testing center. The questions cover topics like algebra, geometry, counting, probability, and number theory.

It’s a challenging exam designed to push students beyond the standard curriculum. Top performers are recognized with certificates, and high scorers may qualify for future math competitions, such as the AMC 10/12.

National Science Bowl

The National Science Bowl, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, is an academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of science and mathematics.

The competition features a fast-paced, quiz-bowl style format where teams compete head-to-head to answer questions.

Eligibility: Open to middle school students (grades 6-8). Teams consist of four students, one alternate, and a coach.
Key Dates:
- Registration Opens: October.
- Regional Competitions: January-March.
- National Finals: Late April or early May in Washington, D.C.

The competition is structured as a round-robin tournament followed by a double-elimination playoff. Questions cover a wide range of STEM topics, including biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, and mathematics.

The competition is highly competitive and requires teamwork, quick thinking, and a deep understanding of the subjects. The winning team from each regional competition advances to the National Finals in Washington, D.C., where they compete for the national title and various prizes.

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision

ExploraVision, sponsored by Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association, is a science competition that encourages students to imagine and explore the future of technology.

It’s an open-ended challenge that allows students to think creatively about what future technology might look like, and how it could solve a problem or improve life.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. and Canadian students in grades K-12, with a separate division for grades 6-9. Teams consist of 2-4 students with a teacher as the coach.
Key Dates:
- Registration Opens: August.
- Submission Deadline: February.
- Regional Winners Announced: April.
- National Winners Announced: May.

Students work in teams to research and develop a vision for future technology. They must describe the current technology, predict what it could look like 20 years from now, and outline the potential impacts.

The competition includes both written and visual components, such as reports, diagrams, and simulations. Regional winners receive prizes, and national winners earn additional awards, including U.S. savings bonds and a trip to Washington, D.C., for a special awards ceremony.

ExploraVision is ideal for students who enjoy brainstorming futuristic ideas and thinking about the long-term implications of technology.

How to Prepare for Middle School STEM Competitions

The students who do will in middle school STEM competitions don't do it by chance. They all practice, study, and obsess how to do well. Here are my tips on how to win competitions and keep doing better.

Be curious

The most important trait in scientists who do well in STEM competitions is to be curious about science, methodology, competitions, new ways of doing experiments, and learning in general.

Maybe you're already fascinated by a single topic or a lot of things interest you, both are great! Keep learning and deep diving topics.

Improve communication

A big part of STEM competitions is presenting your project, talking about your research and methods. So rehearsing your presentation, watching videos on how to talk in public, or even doing classes on how to create visuals.

Learn methodology

Doing scientific research requires you to follow the correct procedures and methodologies. There are clear scientific ethics and the correct methodology.

You need to follow those rules to create award-winning research and to grow your scientific career.

Join or start a team

Many competitions are team-based. So you'll need peers who are also interested in science and a coach to mentor you. If one exists in your school or local area, try to join. Otherwise, you can make one!

Start early

If you want to compete in STEM challenges, many share practice papers months before the competition. Download them and begin to practice early, rather than cramming and stressing yourself out just before the competition.

Consistent study sessions will make all the difference.