2026 Science Buddies Engineering Challenge: Ball Run Challenge

Katie Axe
2 days ago
2 min read

Each year, Science Buddies releases an engineering design challenge that we truly look forward to. It is one of those opportunities that reminds us why we love STEAM learning. Students get to tinker, test ideas, make mistakes, and try again using simple, everyday materials in creative and innovative ways.

This year, we would love for our St. B’s families and community members to join in alongside us. Our middle school students participate annually, and it is always exciting to watch their ideas come to life. Each grade celebrates a winning design, and those teams then compete to become the top middle school build. When we are finished, we submit photos, project details, and totals online, and every completed build truly matters.

Here is why participation matters: every entry is placed into a drawing, and ten nonprofit programs are awarded $1,000. The more projects we submit, the better our chances are of earning money for our school. Winning is not the main goal, but it is a wonderful bonus, and an authentic way for students to see how their creativity and effort can positively impact our community.

What makes this challenge especially meaningful is the purpose behind it. When students design with a reason, they become more thoughtful, more motivated, and more invested in what they are creating. Parents and caregivers cannot do the building, but you are welcome to help students establish purpose through thoughtful questions, like: What do you want your ball run to do best, speed, accuracy, or creativity? What will you change after your first test? What did you learn from the result?

Through STEAM learning, students grow from exposure to exploration, then to creation, and ultimately to innovation. Giving their work a purpose helps them see that their ideas matter, and that their problem-solving skills can lead to real outcomes.

Ready to join the challenge?

Start an at-home build and submit it anytime between 2/22/2026 and 3/31/2026. We cannot wait to see the creativity, collaboration, and imagination our community brings to this challenge.

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