STEM Design Challenge
2024 Challenge
Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports more than 593,600 jobs, paying wages of $32.8 billion. Did you know that farmers use robots to help them? “High-tech Farming” is important especially as our population grows and food demand increases. Your team is being challenged to help our Pennsylvania farmers by creating an agricultural robot or other type of “high-tech farming” equipment that they could use.
Rules
• A team of 4 students (maximum) will work together on the project.
• Teams may use up to 1400 pieces. Any pieces, as long as they are K’Nex, may be used. String, tape, and rubber bands are permitted. Teams must use at least one motor.
• Schools must bring their K’Nex pieces on the day of the competition.
• Students will have 2 hours to put together their project at the competition.
• Each team will need to bring a journal and a blueprint to the competition.
• Each team will need to prepare a presentation (max 2 minutes) on their model and how they answered the challenge. Middle school students will also need to present their inventory.
• Projects must fit on a 6-foot-long table. Water may not be used as part of the display.
• Middle school teams will need to complete a budget of the pieces used.
Design Notebook
This should be a journal of the team’s progress from start to finish.
The Notebook should include elements of the Engineering Design Process.
Blueprint
A blueprint is a technical drawing or design plan for a project. It is used to represent the final product.
Blueprints for the STEM Design Challenge can be a drawing, cad drawing, online sketch, etc. Be creative!
Prototype
Teams will answer the challenge by creating a prototype of their idea using K’Nex pieces.
Teams may include a backdrop or artwork, but judges will not consider this in their scoring.
Projects must fit on a 6-foot-long table. Water may not be used in the display.
