The STEM Family Challenge, created by The Science House (TSH) and the Center for Inquiry-Based Learning (CIBL), is a 90-minute hands-on program that brings families together to explore STEM through fun, competitive activities. Designed for schools, after-school programs, and youth organizations, it provides an easy-to-run, turnkey kit with materials and instructions for three engaging challenges for up to 36 families (~150 participants). To accommodate larger groups, multiple sessions or additional kits can be used. This exciting event fosters family bonding, strengthens school communities, and inspires kids to pursue STEM in an interactive and memorable way!

At the STEM Family Challenge, families will have a blast competing together in three exciting activities in 25-minute activity blocks. We currently offer three different kits! 

Family STEM Challenge Kit 1 (Available)

It is Rocket Science
(Gym or Large Open Space)
Families construct and launch paper straw rockets. Rocket launched the farthest wins.

No Bones About It 
(Media Center)
Families assemble a skeleton from cut-out bones. Most bones placed correctly wins! 

Whatever Floats Your Boat 
(Cafeteria)
Families design a boat that will hold as much weight as possible without sinking. Most mass held wins!

Family STEM Challenge Kit 2 (Available upon special request)

Brick by Brick
(Two Classrooms and a Hallway)
Families compete in a fun communication challenge to build a LEGO® model. Only one family member (the Designer) can see an already built LEGO® model in one classroom. The Designer has 3 minutes to observe the model, leave the classroom, go into the hallway, and tell another family member (the Communicator) how to build the model. The Communicator leaves the hallway, enters another classroom, and explains to another family member (the Developer) how to put together the model from a bag of LEGOs®.

LED Flashlight
(Media Center or Cafeteria)
Families work together to build a super cool LED flashlight.  

Plane Around
(Gym or Large Open Space)
Families will construct and fly up to two paper airplanes to fly as far as possible. 

Family STEM Challenge Kit 3 (Not yet available)

Parachute Lab
(Gym or Large Open Space)
Families will compete to see who can design a parachute using the provided materials to help a metal washer fall to the ground as slowly as possible.

Pom Pom Catapult
(Cafeteria)
Families will design, build, and test their very own catapults to see who can launch a craft pom-pom the farthest. 

Catch the Wind
(Media Center or Classrooms with Flat Tables)
Families will build a wind turbine consisting of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor attached to a compact disc (CD), which will capture wind power and generate voltage.

Contact(s): Jason Painter (jlpainte@ncsu.edu)

Application Deadline: Kits can be purchased at anytime. To reserve a kit, please complete the application link below.