University of Illinois UC EWBJunior sciencecompetition 2027
For Grades K-5 Students
Step into:
This competition is ideal for students who:
- Are developing interest in STEM
- Show curiosity about how the world works
- Benefit from structured, engaging challenges
Summary
Online test with multiple choice and fill-in the blank questions
Present science solution through recorded video
Present science solution live on zoom
2-5 students from the same school
Lower Primary (Grades K-2) Upper Primary (Grades 3-5)
Option to join World STEM League
About UIUC Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a student run nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with underserved communities to design and implement sustainable engineering solutions. Our chapter works on long term, community driven projects that improve access to essential resources such as clean water, sanitation, transportation, and infrastructure. Our members come from a wide range of engineering disciplines and backgrounds, and we emphasize technical excellence, cultural understanding, and sustainable design. Through hands on project work, collaboration with international partners, and local outreach, we strive to develop thoughtful engineers and leaders who are committed to creating lasting, positive global impact.
About the World STEM League
UIUC EWB Junior Science Competition is part of the World STEM League. In the League, students compete across multiple competitions throughout the League Year, allowing them to:
- practice repeatedly
- track their improvement over time
- collaborate with teammates across competitions
This creates a cycle of growth: compete, learn, refine, and improve.
Fostering Curiosity and Real-World STEM Learning
The UIUC EWB Junior Science Competition is designed as an enriching introduction to STEM that nurtures curiosity, reinforces classroom learning, and encourages students to think beyond the textbook.
The experience begins with a grade-level-appropriate online challenge aligned with core math and science concepts. Students then engage in developing solutions to real-world problems through drawing, building, and creative thinking, before sharing their ideas through a poster for the lower primary category and simple presentations for the upper primary category.
Each stage is intentionally structured to build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and foster interest and curiosity in STEM.
Why Join the UIUC EWB Junior Competition?
Encourage curiosity and develop comfort with problem-solving
Deepen understanding by applying classroom knowledge
Explore real-world challenges in an age-appropriate way
How does the challenge work?
Team size
Team size: 2-5 students per team (all team members must be from the same school)
Age Categories
Grades K–2
Grades 3–5
Key dates and deadlines
Registration Deadlines and Participation Fees
Deadline: September 19, 2026
Fees: US$35 per student
Deadline: October 19, 2026
Fees: US$45 per student
Deadline: November 19, 2026
Fees: US$55 per student
Competition format
Preliminary round: Online Challenge
The preliminary round is open to all registered teams worldwide
- Asia Pacific: 12:00 noon Tokyo Time
- Europe, Middle East, Africa: 9:00 am London Time
- North America, South America: 11:00 am New York Time
- Lower Primary School Category: 45 minutes
- Upper Primary School Category: 1 hour
- Online challenge (multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and free-response questions)
Focuses on number awareness and foundational math concepts, along with simple logic questions that develop early reasoning skills.
Based on math and science concepts students are learning in school, combined with logic problems that build confidence and problem-solving skills.
- Each team member will individually attempt the same set of challenge
- The top two scores will be used to calculate the team's total score
Semi-final round: Poster / video
The top 3 performing teams from each grade level in the preliminary round (18 teams in total) will be invited to compete in the global semi-final round
Semi-finalist teams will have one week to create a poster with a solution to a science problem.
Semi-finalist teams will have one week to develop a solution to a science problem and present their work through a recorded 5-minute video.
Final round: live Zoom presentation
The top 5 performing team from the preliminary round in each of the Lower Primary and Upper Primary Categories will be invited to compete in the global final round
Recognition
All participants will receive a Certificate for participation
Preliminary Round
Honor
MeritSemi- Final Round
Semi Finalist
Individual CategoryTop participants will receive individual honors, even if their teams may not win any awards.
Team categoryTeams will be awarded based on the sum of their two highest individual scores.
Final Round
Global Champion
Global 1st Runner Up
Global 2nd Runner Up
Finalist
Join the Challenge
This competition is more than a contest; it’s a gateway to the world of engineering innovation. Register now to begin your journey into the exciting field of engineering, where you’ll apply creative problem-solving and technical skills to real-world challenges.
Fee Waiver Policy
A fee waiver is available for individual low-income students. To request one, please ask your school counselor or principal to email [email protected] from their official school email with the subject line "Fee Waiver Request." The email should include your email address and confirmation that you require a waiver.
All fee waivers must be requested before the regular deadline.
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