FIRST LEGO League Jr. is designed to introduce STEM concepts to kids in grades K -5th grade while exciting them through a brand they know and love − LEGO®. The program focuses on building interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a real-world challenge – to be solved by research, critical thinking, and imagination.
FIRST LEGO League (FLL) introduces attendees to real-world engineering challenges by having them build LEGO-based robots to complete tasks. During the course of the program year, NSBE Jr. FLL teams, discover exciting career possibilities and learn to make positive contributions to society.
Future City focuses on improving the STEM skills of 6th-8th graders by providing an exciting, engineering experience that combines a stimulating engineering challenge with an inquiry-based application to present their vision of a city of the future. After designing a virtual city (using SimCity); researching, designing and writing-up their solution to a city-wide issue and building a scale model of their city, teams will present their vision to a panel of judges.
TMAL is a yearlong tutoring program meant to foster good study habits for minority high school students, grades 9-12 and prepare them for standardized exams such as the ACT and SAT. Top winners from each region will participate in a quiz bowl competition in which problem solving skills are tested.
NSBE Jr. members in grades 6–12 form racing challenge teams that use model radio-controlled cars and mimic professional motorsport teams. After being ”certified” in mechanical systems, data and problem solving, students spend the duration of the program year rebuilding the car with improved parts. The Ten80 Presentation takes place during the Annual Convention.
This event gives high school NSBE Jr. members the opportunity to explore and compete in the many applications of science through projects and presentations. After the students conduct research and submit a project summary earlier in the year, this is where it all unfolds.
This competition gives middle school NSBE Jr. members the opportunity to compete in and explore the many applications of science through projects and presentations. Students work hard on their projects during the year, and the winner is revealed during this event.
The MATHCOUNTS competition is a fun and challenging math program designed to provide middle schoolers with thought-provoking, fun problems which engage and challenge them to be better problem solvers. First and second-place winners from each NSBE region compete for bragging rights as the winning team. § Opportunity to provide welcome remarks, judges, marketing materials and giveaways at the event
The KidWind Project works to make renewable energy widely accessible through hands-on activities that are challenging and engaging and to teach basic science and engineering principles.
In the VEX IQ Challenge, teams of NSBE Jr. members in grades 3–8 are tasked with designing and building a robot to play with other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communication and more.
High school NSBE Jr. members build innovative robots and compete year-round in a variety of matches. In addition to learning valuable engineering skills, students gain life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, communication, project management and critical thinking. 95% of participants report an increased interest in STEM subject areas and pursuing STEM-related careers.