Maryland Engineering Challenges

 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.

Elementary School Level

Elementary School Information Sheet

Paper Airplane — Grades 1 to 5
Date: April 22, 2023
Design a paper airplane to safely fly a paperclip “passenger” as far and accurately as possible.
2023 Paper Airplane Guide

Safe Racer — Grades 2 and 3
Date: March 11, 2023
Build a safe and speedy car to allow the “driver,” Eggbert[a], to survive a crash test and distance trial.
2023 Safe Racer Guide
Safe Racer FAQs

Hovercraft — Grades 5 to 8
Date: April 22, 2023
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
2023 Hovercraft Guide

Straw Bridge — Grades 5 to 8
Date: February 4, 2023
Construct a paper straw bridge to support a specific weight for one minute.
2023 Straw Bridge Guide
2023 Straw Bridge Design Specification

Middle School Level

Middle School Information Sheet

Future City — Grades 6 to 8
Date: January 14, 2023
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/
2023 Future City Information Sheet

Robot — Grades 6 to 8
Virtual Date: April 29, 2023
In-Person Date: April 30, 2023
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2023 Robot Guide Middle School

Hovercraft — Grades 5 to 8
Date: April 22, 2023
Build the fastest hovercraft to travel across the “Chesapeake Bay.”
2023 Hovercraft Guide

Straw Bridge — Grades 5 to 8
Date: February 4, 2023
Construct a paper straw bridge to support a specific weight for one minute.
2023 Straw Bridge Guide
2023 Straw Bridge Design Specification

High School Level

High School Information Sheet

Wood Bridge — Grades 9 to 12
Date: February 4, 2023
Design a structurally efficient bridge to hold the maximum load before breaking.
Contact Michael Newman at conradnewman13@gmail.com for details.
2023 International Competition Rules
2023 Wood Bridge Information Sheet

Robot — Grades 9 to 12
Virtual Date: April 29, 2023
In-Person Date: April 30, 2023
Construct a two or four leg robot to walk under direction over uneven terrain.
2023 Robot Guide High School

Cargo Ship — Grades 9 to 12
Date: April 22, 2023
Design and demonstrate a ship to carry containerized cargo over a water course.
2023 Cargo Ship Guide