STEM MAKER CHALLENGE – Online Project Category

Students will work in teams of 2-3 to design and build a cardboard Ping Pong Ball Machine. Grades 4-5-6 will use gravity-powered mechanisms, while Grades 7-8-9 will combine gravity with at least one battery-powered motor.

The STEM Maker Challenge is an online project competition designed for students who are interested in STEM and want to take their first step into project-based learning.

Students will work in small teams to design and build a Ping Pong Ball Machine using everyday cardboard materials and simple electronic components. Through this project, students will have the opportunity to turn an idea into a working model while developing creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and basic engineering skills. 

• FREE PARTICIPATION
• TEAM OF 2–3 STUDENTS
• FINAL SUBMISSION: 21 DECEMBER 2026

Participation

The competition is open to students in two grade groups:
Grades 4-5-6 / Grades 7-8-9 

• Each team must consist of 2 or 3 students from the same grade group.
• Registration and team formation are carried out by teachers. Teachers can select students only from among those who are registered for the STEM Olympiad and are visible in their teacher panel.
• A teacher may form a maximum of one team per grade group. In addition, a maximum of 10 teams per grade group from each country will be accepted. Participation is subject to a first-come, first-served policy.
• Once a teacher forms and confirms a team, the STEM Maker Challenge project section becomes available in the students' STEM panels. 
  

Project Process

The project is completed online through the students' STEM panels and consists of three steps:

1. Project Application & Objective
Students complete the project application form, introduce their project idea, and explain the main objective of their Ping Pong Ball Machine. The completed form must be uploaded through the students' STEM panels.

2. Project Development
Students document the construction of their project, including the materials used, technical features, and photographs showing the students during the building process. The completed document must be uploaded through the students' STEM panels.

3. Final Project Video
Students present their completed Ping Pong Ball Machine in a video of no more than 2 minutes. The completed video must be uploaded through the students' STEM panels. 

• Students should complete all three steps by 21 December 2026.
• Before submitting the project, students may update and replace their uploaded documents and materials as many times as needed. Once the final submission is completed, the project will be considered ready for evaluation. 
  

Results

The results of the STEM Maker Challenge will be announced no later than 21 March 2027, depending on the total number of submissions received.

Evaluation and Awards

The Top 10 projects from each grade group will be announced and awarded as follows:

• Gold: Top 3 teams
• Silver: Teams ranked 4th–6th
• Bronze: Teams ranked 7th–10th

All Top 10 teams will receive digital, verifiable Achievement Certificates based on their rankings.
Additionally, the Top 3 teams in each grade group will receive discounts on participation in the STEM Grand Final:

• 1st Place: 30% discount
• 2nd Place: 20% discount
• 3rd Place: 10% discount

All other participating teams that successfully complete all required project steps will receive digital Participation Certificates.

Teacher's Role

The teacher's role is to provide general guidance and mentorship throughout the project. Teachers may support students during the process and help them understand the project requirements.

However, the project should primarily be the result of the students' own work, ideas, and efforts. No additional action is required from the teacher after the team has been formed.

Project Requirements

The Ping Pong Ball Machine must be created using everyday cardboard materials and simple electronic components.

The detailed technical requirements for the project, together with the evaluation criteria, are available [HERE].