Maryland Engineering Challenges
In recognition of the uncertainties resulting from COVID-19, this year’s Maryland Engineering Challenge competitions will be held virtually. Competition rules and project requirements are also being adjusted to enable and encourage safe participation for students.
Check out our information sheet with suggestions on how to participate in a Challenge during a pandemic.
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 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 participation suggestions may be found in the Information Sheet at the top of the page.
Coaches’ Information Session
This “drop-in” virtual event hosted on Zoom is designed for adults interested in coaching a team to chat with engineers. Find out if a particular Challenge is a good fit for your student(s). The Coaches’ Information Session is not required and there is no cost. Attendance is strongly encouraged. Contact Jessica at jcelmer@thebmi.org
WHEN Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 6:00–8:00PM
WHERE http://bit.ly/
Robot Coaches’ Hands-on Workshop
Learn the practical aspects of the Robot Challenge in this virtual workshop hosted on Zoom. 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 November 10, 2020 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM & January 23, 2021 from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
WHERE http://bit.ly/MECRobotWorkshop2021
Elementary School Level
Elementary School Information Sheet
Paper Airplane — Grades 1 to 5
Date: May 8, 2021
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
Date: May 15, 2021
Build a safe and speedy car to allow the “driver,” Eggbert[a], to survive a crash test and distance trial.
2021 Safe Racer Guide
2021 Safe Racer FAQs
Middle School Level
Middle School Information Sheet
Future City — Grades 6, 7 and 8
Date: February 13, 2021
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/
2021 Future City Information Sheet
Robot — Grades 6 to 8
Date: April 25, 2021
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
Robot Guide 2021
Hovercraft — Grades 6 to 8
Date: April 24, 2021
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
2020 Hover Craft Guide
Straw Bridge — Grades 6 to 8
Date: April 17, 2021
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: January 30, 2021
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
Date: April 25, 2021
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
Robot Guide 2021
Cargo Ship — Grades 9 to 12
Date: April 24, 2021
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 and Kathryn Benson | The Propeller Club of Baltimore
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