The Oregon Coast STEM Hub can connect you with activities to help engage learners of all ages with fun science, technology, engineering and math programs and events.  This includes afterschool programs, clubs, and public events that can get the whole family involved!  Be sure to also visit the Summer and School Breaks page, and see information about higher education scholarships on the College page.

 

Oregon STEM-Related Competitions:

Taft HS Ocean's Hope launching ROV

  • Salmon Bowl - link - In this regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB), teams of 4-5 high school students are tested on their knowledge of scientific and technical disciplines through quick answer buzzer questions and more complex, critical thinking team challenge questions. There will be no competition in 2023.
  • Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge - Students in grades 3-12 bring their wave energy devices, wind turbines, and/or solar devices to the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport to test in wave tanks, wind tunnel or under high powered lights to see which designs produce the greatest amount of energy. The next competition will be held March 21, 2023 Download a flyer
  • MATE Oregon Regional ROV Competition  - link - Students from upper elementary to college age build remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and use them to complete underwater missions. The next MATE Oregon Regional ROV Competition will be held April 22, 2023 The missions will be released in December and team registration will open in February.
  • Oregon Game Project Challenge - link - Put your programming and design skills to the test!  The Oregon Game Project Challenge (OGPC) invites MS and HS students to create a computer game that meets a theme-based challenge. The theme for the next competition is announced in November.
  • BPA Science Bowl - link - The Bonneville Power Administration sponsors the nation’s largest regional science bowl for middle and high school students. The fast-paced academic bowl tests student knowledge in all aspects of science:  math, geology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and more. Team registration begins in October and the competitions are held in February.
  • FIRST LEGO League and FIRST TECH Challenge Robotics Clubs - link - Explore the Oregon Robotics Tournament and Outeach Program.  Teams complete missions with their student-built robots, as well as research and present an engineering solution.
  • Oregon Science Olympiad - link - Science Olympiad is the premier national science competition at the middle and high school levels. Teams of up to 15 students compete in 23 events in this science and engineering competition.  The state tournament takes place in Corvallis in April, and team registration typically begins in January.
  • MATHCOUNTS - link - This national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program promotes mathematics achievement through a series of fun and engaging "bee" style contests. Team registration typically occurs in November and competitions are held in February. For more information, contact your regional Mathcounts Coordinator.
  • Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics - link - This professional organization's website lists a number of local, national and mail-in contests for students.

 

Other Competitions:

  • Lexus Eco Challenge - link - For students in Grades 6-12. Teams tackle environmental issues & create practical solutions while competing for scholarships and grants. The contest is aimed at land, water, air, and climate.
  • NOAA Marine Debris Art Contest - link - K-8 art submissions should feature marine debris impacts and what you are doing to reduce marine debris. Submissions are due in November.
  • Google Science Fair - link -Google Science Fair is a global online competition open to individuals or teams from 13 to 18 years old.
  • More competitions for teams and classrooms are listed on the NSTA website

 

STEM Afterschool Programs:

Education Week Article:  Report looks at impact of after-school STEM programs on students

  • Lincoln County's 21st Century After School Program - The 21st Century Community Learning Center After School Program in the Lincoln County School District provides 2.5 hours of afterschool enrichment for students each school day, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts and reading.  Visit the website  for more information.
  • 4-H - Many OSU Extension offices have STEM-related clubs and programs for youth, including FIRST LEGO robotics and MATE ROV teams.  Contact your local 4-H office to see what is available in your area.
     

Clubs and Work Crews:

  • Oregon Coast Aquarium - Summer and school-year volunteer and job shadowing opportunities available for youth age 14-17 - link
  • Community Services Consortium Natural Resource Youth Conservation Crews - Summer jobs and work experience related to science and the environment - link