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, problem-solving, and comprehension 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 2019 Challenges.
Still have questions? Contact Jessica and sign up for our emails.
Interested in the Challenges but not sure how to start?
Coaches’ Information Session
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
4pm-7pm
Drop in throughout the evening to meet the engineers who judge each Challenge. They will answer questions, demonstrate past projects, and explain requirements. This Session is not required and there is no cost to participate.
Registration encouraged. Email jcelmer@thebmi.org.
Coaches’ Hands-On Workshop
Saturday, January 26, 2019
10am-2pm
Learn the practical aspects of select Challenges! Work with engineers to explore the design and construction aspects of a project. Especially helpful for first-time Coaches and/or those with little previous engineering knowledge. This Workshop is not required and there is no cost to participate.
Registration is required prior to 1/18/19. Contact Jessica at jcelmer@thebmi.org
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.
Elementary School Level
Elementary School Information Sheet
Paper Airplane — Grades 1 to 5
Date: Sunday, February 10, 2019 [Snow Date: Sunday February 24]
Design a paper airplane to safely fly a paperclip “passenger” as far and accurately
as possible.
2019 Paper Airplane Guide
Safe Racer — Grades 2 and 3
Report deadline extended to Mon, February 18. Registration still open!
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Build a safe and speedy car to allow the “driver,” Eggbert[a], to survive a
crash test and distance trial.
2019 Safe Racer Guide
Theme Park — Grades 4 and 5
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019
Construct a moving theme park ride, based on a literature curriculum reading.
2019 Theme Park Guide
Middle School Level
Middle School Information Sheet
Future City — Grades 7 and 8
Saturday, January 19, 2019 [Snow Date: January 27, 2019]
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/
Robot — Grades 6 to 8
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2019 Robot Guide
Hovercraft — Grades 6 to 8
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
2019 Hovercraft Guide
Straw Bridge — Grades 6 to 8
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2019
Construct a plastic straw bridge to support a scale model truck for one minute.
2019 Straw Bridge Guide
SB Design Guide
SB Report Guide
High School Level
Wood Bridge — Grades 9 to 12
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Design a structurally efficient bridge to hold the maximum load before breaking.
Contact Michael Newman at conradnewman13@gmail.com for details.
2019 International Bridge Rules
Robot — Grades 9 to 12
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2019 Robot Guide
Cargo Ship — Grades 9 to 12
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Design and demonstrate a ship to carry containerized cargo over a water course.
2019 Cargo Ship Guide
Sponsored by:
BGE | Northrop Grumman | KELVIN | Engineering Society of Baltimore
Supported by:
Technology & Engineering Educators Association of Maryland