Events for aspiring STEM majors part 2: NASA challenges

NASA is probably one of the best embodiments of science and technology combined in a way to deliver benefits to humanity. It offers programs to students of all ages, college students, and civilian enthusiasts to get involved with the science of exploring space. It even offers high school internships at the Jet Propulsion Lab if you’re in California. But, the following are all national opportunities offered by NASA to high school students that involve some serious hands-on science. 

These are only some of the contests offered by NASA, though there are more. If you haven’t checked out our other STEM events, click here for more.

Dream with Us Design Challenge: 

Build an aircraft, convince NASA experts it can impress.

• Link: https://stemgateway.nasa.gov/public/s/course-offering/a0B3d000000zjNv/dream-with-us-2023-design-challenge

• Deadline: May 15, 2023
  

Genes in Space: 

Create experiments using gene analysis tools aboard the ISS with a chance to have them conducted in space.

• Link: https://www.genesinspace.org/

• Deadline: Apr. 17, 2023

NASA App Development Challenge

Solve technical problems that arise from space exploration. The last challenge had students analyzing lunar terrain data, topography, and determine launch route logistics based on available data. Next year’s challenge will be announced at the end of the summer. 

• Link: https://stem.nasa.gov/artemis/#challenge-adc

• Application open: Late summer 

High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH)

Build actual products for NASA based on case-specific needs. Read the requirements, brainstorm, submit. 

• Link: https://nasahunch.com/

• Deadline: N/A 
  

The American Rocketry Challenge (NASA is among partners)

Middle school and high school students compete in building a rocket that has an egg. The egg must land intact. A high placement here is one of the steps required for high school approval into the Student Launch program normally for college students.

• Link: https://rocketcontest.org/ 
  

Student Launch

High school students can compete here with special approval. Steps are clearly outlined in the handbook. Very few high schools have approval, so even achieving that is an amazing feat.

• Link: https://www.nasa.gov/stem/studentlaunch/home/index.html

• Contact email for information on how to get your high school approved: Fred.Kepner@nasa.gov

• Deadline: Several deadlines for critical events beginning with Vehicle Demonstration Flight in early March. 

FIRST Robotics Competition

NASA. Robots. High school students make them, improve them, and compete with them for a chance at a NASA FRC grant.

• Link: https://www.nasa.gov/stem-ed-resources/s/first_robotics.html

• Deadline: Application opens Summer 2023 for the next competition season  

For more NASA-sponsored robotics competitions.

• https://robotics.nasa.gov/robotic-competitions/