Maryland Engineering Challenges
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.
Click here for a brochure about the 2020 Challenges
Still have questions? Contact Education Manager Jessica Celmer and sign up for our emails.
Important Information
Each team must have an adult Coach register them online before written reports are handed in. Click here to register a team.
Each Coach must pay a $5 fee. One fee covers all teams with that Coach. Click here to pay your Coach’s Fee online.
Please read Challenge Guides carefully, as rules or specs may change from year to year. Additional information may be found in the appropriate Information Sheet.
Robot Coaches’ Hands-on Workshop
Learn the practical aspects of the Robot Challenge. Work with engineers to explore design and construction aspects of this project. Especially helpful for first-time Coaches and/or those with little engineering experience.Free; registration required: jcelmer@thebmi.org.
WHEN Saturday, January 25 from 10am-2pm
Elementary School Level
Elementary School Information Sheet
Paper Airplane — Grades 1 to 5
Report Deadline Extended to Friday, February 14
Date: February 22, 2020
Design a paper airplane to safely fly a paperclip “passenger” as far and accurately as possible.
2020 Paper Airplane Guide
Safe Racer — Grades 2 and 3
February 22, 2020
Build a safe and speedy car to allow the “driver,” Eggbert[a], to survive a crash test and distance trial.
2020 Safe Racer Guide
2020 Safe Racer FAQs
Middle School Level
Middle School Information Sheet
Future City — Grades 6, 7 and 8
Date: Rescheduled to January 25, 2020
Design a city of the future using SimCity software and create a model of one area.
Contact James Brown at jmbrown0922@gmail.com for details.
For more information go to: https://futurecity.org/
2020 Future City Information Sheet
Robot — Grades 6 to 8
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2020 Robot Guide
Hovercraft — Grades 6 to 8
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2020
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
2020 Hover Craft Guide
Straw Bridge — Grades 6 to 8
Date: Rescheduled to January 25, 2020
Still accepting reports turned in by Friday, January 24
Construct a plastic straw bridge to support a scale model truck for one minute.
2020 Straw Bridge Guide
SB Design Guide
SB Report Guide
High School Level
Wood Bridge — Grades 9 to 12
Date: Rescheduled to January 25, 2020
Design a structurally efficient bridge to hold the maximum load before breaking.
Contact Michael Newman at conradnewman13@gmail.com for details.
2020 Wood Bridge Information Sheet
2020 International Bridge Rules
Robot — Grades 9 to 12
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2020 Robot Guide
Cargo Ship — Grades 9 to 12
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Design and demonstrate a ship to carry containerized cargo over a water course.
2020 Cargo Ship Guide
Sponsored by:
BD Diagnostics | BGE-an Exelon Company | The Engineering Society of Baltimore | KELVIN | Northrop Grumman | W.R. Grace |
Michael Hinkey | Kathryn Benson | The Propeller Club
Supported by:
Technology & Engineering Educators Association of Maryland
Additional STEM Opportunities & Resources:
Morgan State University Science-Mathematics-Engineering Fair
The Maryland Quality Initiative
National Academy of Engineering—EngineerGirl Program