Pueblo Science invites you to take part in the second annual Hackathon for Science Education taking place online on September 19-27. The event will bring together innovative students with scientists, engineers and educators as mentors. The students and mentors will work for two weekends to create STEM activities that address the UN sustainable development goals and are aligned with the K to 12 science curriculum of our target country (to be revealed on day 1 of the hackathon). 

This event will provide a fun and engaging opportunity for professionals and students to become leaders, builders and innovators as well as to make an impact on education around the world. The kits developed during this hackathon will enable teachers to introduce hands-on science and engineering experiences into their classrooms and improve their students’ attitudes towards STEM learning, concept uptake and problem solving.

Students in groups of 3-5 will participate in prototyping science kits that are engaging, curriculum-relevant and address the UN sustainable development goals. Teachers’ guides will also be written up to instruct educators on how to construct the kits and how to teach it. Mentors knowledgeable in science and technology, education or resources available in remote communities will be providing input to all teams. The projects will be presented in front of an expert judging panel on Sunday (September 27) afternoon.

$1,400 in prizes

• Presentation: Materials Used (20 points)
  How appropriate (cost-effective and available) are the materials used in this science activity for our target countries?
• Presentation: Procedure for Activity (20 points)
  Can this science activity (including explanation and discussion) be conducted easily in two-to-three 90-minute classes?
• Presentation: Creativity and Demosntration (20 points)
  How creative was the activity to demonstrate the intended scientific or engineering concept(s)? How well did the team demonstrate their science activity?
• Presentation: Enjoyability and Educational Content (20 points)
  How enjoyable and educational for students is this science activity?
• Presentation: Fit (10 points)
  How well does this science activity connect with the challenge?
• Presentation: Clarity and Organization (10 points)
  How clear and engaging was the presentation?
• Manual: Materials Listed (10 points)
  How comprehensive is the list of materials used in this science activity (including quantity, dimensions, and other specifications where appropriate)? Are alternatives included?
• Manual: Procedure for Activity (20 points)
  How well does the written procedure allow the activity to be replicated in a classroom setting? If applicable, are there any notes on potential hazards or special disposal procedures?
• Manual: Concepts Covered (30 points)
  How relevant are the concepts covered to sustainability and sustainable development in the target country? Could it inspire local innovation and make students consider what they can do locally to alleviate challenges?
• Manual: Learning Goals (20 points)
  How well are the learning goals articulated to the teacher in the manual write-up? How clear are the lessons the students should take away from the activity?
• Manual: Readiness (20 points)
  How ready is the activity to be deployed in our target country? Can it be used without too much more development?