Welcome to the 24th Annual The Tech Challenge.

Standards

The Tech Challenge is an annual team design challenge for youth in grades 5 through 12. A signature program of The Tech Museum, the challenge introduces and reinforces the scientific process with a hands-on project geared to solve a real-world problem. All this, and it's fun!

The project-based nature of this program makes it unique from any other science-based program or competition for youth. Open and accessible to anyone in the 5th to 12th grade age range; The Tech Challenge inspires the innovator in everyone.

This Year's Challenge

Trash Island - The Great Pacific Gyre

Did you know that there is a pile of trash that is larger than the state of Texas floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Currently there are scientists researching the situation who can not determine the depth of the "trash island" because is so large and it is moving! This trash is largely made up of plastic, but over time, the ocean has turned the plastic into tiny particles. These particles are harmful to the sea life in our vast Pacific Ocean. Marine Scientists are asking for our young engineers to come their aid, and help rid the ocean of this trash. We know you can do it, you have Moved Water without Electricity, you have Explored Volcanoes, and even helped NASA mission specialists clean up space. Now - you have to help clean up the ocean!

Your team's challenge is to design and create a device that can collect trash from different strata of the ocean - without harming marine life.

Learn more about the Pacific Gyre