Contest

Science, innovation, and technology have already played a pivotal role in 2020, a year faced both with new challenges and opportunities. For our STEMX2020 Vision Contest, EduSTEM is calling elementary and middle school students across the nation to pitch their own STEM solution to current events and win various prizes.

Eligibility:

Must currently be in 3rd through 8th grade.
Must be a resident of the United States of America or Canada.
Must submit a multi-media slide deck by JULY 15TH, 2020 (deadline extended, but be sure to submit ASAP).

Contest Prompt:

STEMX2020 Vision is a contest engaging youths in the creative process of tackling this year's largest current events through science and technology. Entries should pitch STEM solutions related to one of the following:

POLITICS: This year is election year in the United States. How can we use technology to make politics more fair and equitable? Some example issues include increasing voter turnout, decreasing the spread of fake news, or helping minorities access more political information.
HEALTH: COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges in the health sector. What solutions can you think of to help the health of American citizens (exercise, disease, mental health, etc. - does not have to be related to COVID-19)?
EDUCATION: With remote learning becoming the new normal today, technology is playing a huge role in education. How can we use technology to help teachers, encourage students, and overall make learning more accessible, fun, and meaningful?

We encourage you to get creative! These categories are large and open to your own ideas. All we ask for is that your solution uses science and/or technology.

What should the submission look like?

Entries should consist of simple multi-media slide presentations (e.g. PowerPoint, Google Slides) that can use pictures, text, drawings or any other creative medium of your choice to pitch your idea. You can attach your presentations as a link in our Google submission form. Presentations can be brief and should not exceed 15 slides. We've broken down some of the things that you should consider for your pitch below:

What is the problem you are addressing? Use numbers, stories, or any other way tell us how this problem affects people.

What is your solution? How will it work? It could be an app, device, or machine - anything STEM. You don't have to make it, just explain the idea.

How will you get your solution to others? What makes it unique? Tell us why people will want to use it and how you will spread the word.

Get creative! You can paste pictures of drawings into your slides, pictures, text, or even videos. Use whatever you feel is necessary!

What is the prize?

3rd through 5th grade division:

Grand Prize: A virtual certificate, pitch showcase, and $50 of chosen STEM materials, toys, and games shipped home.
Finalists: A virtual certificate and pitch showcase on our media platforms.

6th through 8th grade division:

Grand Prize: An online $75 Amazon gift card sent to the awardee's email, a virtual certificate, and pitch showcase.
Finalists: A virtual certificate and pitch showcase on our media platforms.

In order to be eligible for the prize, the contents of the pitch must be original to the contestant. Materials are due and link sharing must be turned on by 07/15/2020 11:59PM PST. Judging of winners will be determined on a rubric evaluating originality, creativity, quality of work, and effectiveness of pitch. The different age categories will be taken into consideration when evaluating entries. By entering this contest, you are acknowledging that EduSTEM has the ability to publish pitch contents along with your first name and last initial on public platforms.

Amended 06/03/2020: In the wake of the death of George Floyd and systemic racial injustice nation-wide, upon notification winners must choose one organization supporting black communities and racial justice efforts for EduSTEM to match the prize money through a donation. EduSTEM Co-founder Archika Dogra will donate that amount to the organization of choice. More information will be provided upon winner notification.

STEMX2020 Vision.