The 2027 Maryland Engineering Challenges dates are set. Guides will be updated by September.
Curious how to begin? Follow these steps!
The Maryland Engineering Challenges (MEC) is a project-based STEM competition for grades 1 to 12 hosted at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. The MEC provides a group project that can be worked on during in-classroom or out-of-classroom time that culminates in state-wide competitions at the museum in the latter part of the school year–January through April.
The mission of the Maryland Engineering Challenges is to introduce students in grades 1 to 12 to the role of engineers in today’s society and connect what students learn in school with real-world engineering concepts.
Participating in the Challenges helps students develop comprehension and problem-solving skills; encourages teamwork and self-confidence; and can promote meaningful mentor relationships with engineering professionals.
In addition to developing students’ STEM skills (science, technology, engineering, and math), each Challenge also integrates reading, writing, and public speaking with hands-on, project-based learning.
Still have questions? Contact Education Manager Jessica Celmer at challenges@thebmi.org and sign up for our emails.
If you are interested in learning more about the Maryland Engineering Challenges, click here to fill out the interest form.
Please see the Challenge Guides on how to register for each challenge and read carefully, as rules or specs may change from year to year. Additional participation suggestions may be found in the Information Sheet at the top of the page.
Robot Coaches’ Project Orientation
Learn the new project details for the 2027 Robot Challenge in this workshop. Work with engineers to explore design and construction aspects of this project.
- Online Orientation for Teachers & Coaches – you may choose either session.
- It is a 3 hour block to allow people to join and leave as their schedule permits.
- Although we have an agenda, it is flexible to allow attendees to participate.
Free; registration required.
Questions? Reach out to challenges@thebmi.org
WHEN October 7, 2026 from 4:00-7:00pm & January 20, 2027 from 4:00pm-7:00pm (both virtual)
REGISTER https://bit.ly/2027RobotOrientation
Cargo Ship Student and Coaches’ Hands-on Workshop
Learn the practical aspects of the Cargo Ship Challenge in this in-person workshop hosted at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. Work with engineers to explore design and construction aspects of this project. Especially helpful for first-time coaches and students as well as those with little engineering experience.
Free; registration required. Questions? Reach out to challenges@thebmi.org.
WHEN Date TBD
TIME 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
WHERE Baltimore Museum of Industry
REGISTER TBA
School Levels
Elementary School Level
Elementary School Information Sheet
Paper Airplane — Grades 1 to 5
Date: May 8, 2027
Design a paper airplane to safely fly a paperclip “passenger” as far and accurately as possible.
2027 Paper Airplane Project Guide
Safe Racer — Grades 2 and 3
Date: March 20, 2027
Build a safe and speedy car to allow the “driver,” Eggbert[a], to survive a crash test and distance trial.
Safe Racer FAQs
2027 Safe Racer Project Guide
Hovercraft — Grades 5 to 8
Date: May 8, 2027
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
Project Construction Guide
Hovercraft Written Report Example
2027 Hovercraft Project Guide
Straw Bridge — Grades 5 to 8
Date: February 6, 2027
Construct a structurally efficient paper straw bridge to support a specific weight for one minute.
Straw Bridge Design Specification
Straw Bridge Written Report Guide
2027 Straw Bridge Project Guide
Middle School Level
Middle School Information Sheet
Future City — Grades 6 to 8
Date: January 16, 2027
Design a city of the future using SimCity software and create a model of one area.
Contact James Brown at midatlantic@futurecity.org for details.
For more information go to: https://futurecity.org/future-city-regions/mid-atlantic/
Future City Information Sheet
Hovercraft — Grades 5 to 8
Date: May 8, 2027
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
Project Construction Guide
Hovercraft Written Report Example
2027 Hovercraft Project Guide
Straw Bridge — Grades 5 to 8
Date: February 6, 2027
Construct a structurally efficient paper straw bridge to support a specific weight for one minute.
Straw Bridge Design Specification
Straw Bridge Written Report Guide
2027 Straw Bridge Project Guide
High School Level
Wood Bridge — Grades 9 to 12
Date: February 6, 2027
Design a structurally efficient bridge to hold the maximum load before breaking.
Contact Michael Newman at conradnewman13@gmail.com for details.
2026 International Competition Rules
Wood Bridge Information Sheet & FAQ
Robot — Grades 9 to 12
In-Person Date: April 25, 2027
Virtual Date: April 24, 2027
Construct a robot to walk a course.
Project has changed, new project details provided at virtual orientation on Oct 7. Register here.
Cargo Ship — Grades 9 to 12
Date: May 8, 2027
Design and demonstrate a ship to carry containerized cargo over a water course.
Sponsored by:
BD Diagnostics | BGE-an Exelon Company | The Engineering Society of Baltimore | The Helen and Harry Shealey Maryland Engineering Challenges Support and Development Fund | IEEE Baltimore | Intralox | KELVIN | Michael Hinkey and Kathryn Benson | The Propeller Club of Baltimore | W.R. Grace
Additional STEM Opportunities & Resources:
Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair