Blog
Mar 31

Announcing the “Start a Smile” challenge

Within the school community, everyone is adjusting to new roles. Parents navigate new work situations. Educators find ways to continue learning beyond the classroom walls. What can students do?

Following on the incredible success of the “Name the Rover” essay contest , the STEMx network proudly presents a new opportunity for K-12 students, in partnership with Future Engineers . The “ Start a Smile ” challenge will highlight the creativity and commitment of young people.

Students, your challenge is :

INVENT A WAY TO HELP SOMEONE SMILE WHILE IN ISOLATION

ENTRIES DUE: June 1, 2020 | 6:00 PM PST

Submit a photo and short essay (150 words or less) of your solution and be sure to follow the student privacy rules of NO FACES or NAMES in your photo or essay. Your invention could be physical, digital, visual, audible, low tech, or high tech, but it should only use items found around your home.

Downloadable version of the design cycle.

Entries will be taken through a new Future Engineers portal. This event is made possible by support from Battelle , the nonprofit research and development company which manages the STEMx network.

Parents, this could be a great opportunity to educate children on how the design cycle works. STEM workers like engineers use the design cycle to create new inventions.

Once your entry is finished, help other people find the contest by tweeting about the problem you addressed to #startasmile .

We can’t wait to see what you create!