Paradigm Project Launches STEM Competition

This year's Paradigm Challenge has launched with an invitation to students aged four years to 18 to use their STEM skills to solve real-world problems and share in more than $200,000 in prizes and grants. This year's challenge asks students to come up with ideas to reduce waste in their homes, schools, communities or around the world.

Last year's challenge included more than 50,000 participants tasked with preventing fatalities and injuries as a result of home fires. The winning project was an oven mitt that can be unfolded to make a fire blanket for putting out kitchen fires.

Students or teams of any size can register for free at projectparadigm.org.

"The 100 finalist teams with the best ideas will win cash prizes of up to $100,000," according to a news release. "Their supporting teachers will win cash grants up to $5,000. In addition, the top team in each age category will win a trip to Los Angeles to attend The Paradigm Challenge's black-tie prize ceremony. Last year, teams came from as far away as New Zealand and India to attend the event."

"The Paradigm Challenge is a terrific opportunity for educators who are looking for motivational project-based learning activities for their students," said Ashley Greenway, 2016 Allen Distinguished Educator and Georgia STEM Laureate, in a prepared statement. "The challenge is particularly appealing because of its engaging online video lesson plans and supporting materials."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

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