Science Competitions for Elementary and Middle School Students
Science competitions for elementary and middle school students give young learners opportunities to explore the world around them through curiosity, experimentation, and real-world problem-solving during the 2026–2027 school year.
These experiences build curiosity, creativity, confidence, and communication skills through hands-on learning.
Science Competition Opportunities
- Science Olympiad – Middle School Division B team competition
- National Science Bowl – Middle School team quiz competition
- Science Fair – Washington State Science & Engineering Fair
- 3M Young Scientist Challenge
Science Olympiad is a team-based STEM competition in which students prepare for hands-on and written events in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, engineering, and technology. It is a strong option for middle school students who enjoy teamwork, experiments, building, and solving challenging science problems.
Who can participate?
Middle school students generally compete in Division B. Exact grade limits,
team size, and participation rules can vary by state and tournament, so families should confirm
the requirements with their school, local tournament, or state Science Olympiad organization.
2026–2027 season:
The event list, rules, scoring, tournament dates, and registration process are published through
Science Olympiad and the student’s state organization. A school or community team usually
registers students; parents should ask the school science teacher, STEM coordinator, or local
Science Olympiad organization how to join.
What students do:
Students prepare for assigned events, practice individually and with teammates, build and test
approved devices when required, and compete at invitational, regional, state, and sometimes
national tournaments.
How parents can get started:
Ask whether your child’s school already has a team. If it does not, contact the official state
organization about nearby teams, tournaments, volunteer opportunities, and starting a new team.
The National Science Bowl is a fast-paced academic quiz competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. Middle school teams answer questions about biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, math, and energy while practicing teamwork and quick reasoning.
Who can participate?
The middle school competition is for eligible students in middle school or the equivalent grade
levels. A team typically includes four students and one alternate, along with
an adult coach. Eligibility, school requirements, and team limits should be confirmed in the
official rules for the 2026–2027 season.
How the competition works:
Teams compete in quiz-bowl style rounds, usually beginning at a regional competition. Winning
teams may advance through the official competition pathway. The questions are challenging, so
students often prepare together with practice questions, study sessions, and timed matches.
How parents can get started:
Ask your child’s school science teacher, STEM coordinator, or principal whether the school has
a team. Families should use the official National Science Bowl site to find regional information,
review the current rules, and confirm the 2026–2027 registration process.
The Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF) is the state’s largest science fair, showcasing innovative projects created by students across Washington.
It provides young scientists with opportunities to explore curiosity, conduct experiments, and present real-world problem-solving ideas in a supportive academic setting.
The WSSEF 2026–2027 schedule, location, registration deadline, and fees should be confirmed on the official fair website before families begin a project or make travel plans.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades 1–12
Students in Grades 1–5 participate in the
Elementary category.
Event Location for 2026–2027:
Check the official WSSEF event page for the current location and division information.
Registration Information:
• Registration dates and deadlines are announced by WSSEF
• Late registrations may not be accepted
• Students register by selecting their county
during the official online process
• Confirm that registration is open before submitting a project
Individual & Team Projects:
• Students may compete individually or in teams of 2–3
• Each team member must contribute equally
• Each student must register separately and pay the entry fee
Registration Fee:
$30 per student (non-refundable)
Each team member is required to pay the entry fee.
Required Items for Grades 1–5:
• Grade 1–5 Required Form
• Media / Indemnity / Ethics Form
• Project Abstract (short summary)
• Research Plan (entered online or uploaded)
• Any additional safety or project-specific forms
Safety & Approval Notes:
Projects involving human participants, animals, biological materials,
or controlled substances require pre-approval
before research begins.
The Scientific Review Committee (SRC) is available year-round
to help families understand requirements.
Why families like it:
WSSEF helps children develop scientific thinking, presentation skills, confidence, and a love for discovery —
while celebrating curiosity and effort for students in elementary and middle school.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a nationally recognized science competition that encourages students to use creativity and scientific thinking to solve real-world problems.
Students submit a short video explaining an original idea, which is evaluated for creativity, scientific reasoning, and communication skills.
Who can participate?
Students in Grades 5–8
Grade 5 students often use this challenge as an early opportunity
to explore advanced STEM thinking.
2026–2027 Competition Timeline:
The current entry deadline, finalist announcement date, and final competition schedule should be
confirmed on the official 3M Young Scientist Challenge website. Families should use the current
application instructions rather than an older contest calendar.
How to enter:
Students submit a brief video presenting a science-based
solution to an everyday problem.
Topics may include robotics, safety, climate technology,
home improvement, automotive, and more.
Prizes & Recognition:
• $25,000 Grand Prize
• Exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist
• Title of “America’s Top Young Scientist”
• Recognition for finalists, honorable mentions,
and state merit winners nationwide
Finalist Experience:
Finalists participate in a summer mentorship program
and compete in hands-on challenges, presentations,
and live judging at the 3M Innovation Center
in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Why it’s great for students:
This challenge builds confidence, creativity,
problem-solving skills, and meaningful real-world
STEM experience.