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Open on Tues., Nov. 26.
Closed on Thurs., Nov. 28.
Students building contraptions
Students building contraptions

SciYinz Squad Competitions 2024-2025

For Grades 6–12

Dream it, design it, build it, make it better!
Yearly impromptu student competitions for small cohorts and classrooms.

SciYinz Squad competitions are fun and engaging student competitions that promote teamwork, collaboration, and creativity all while addressing basic scientific principles that are regularly encountered across a wide array of STEM fields. All materials are provided by the Science Center during the program so there is no need for teachers or parents to compile supplies in advance.

Who can participate in SciYinz Squad?

Students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate in SciYinz Squad Competitions.

What is the cost?

The registration fee to participate in each SciYinz Squad Competition is $25 per team (limit of 4 teams/school) and checks should be made payable to “Carnegie Institute.” Payment should be remitted no later than two weeks prior to the competition date and addressed to:

Carnegie Science Center
ATTN: Finance
1 Allegheny Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying schools. Please contact us at SciYinzSquad@CarnegieScienceCenter.org to learn more.

Free and Reduced Lunch

Schools applying for grant funding are limited to registering 2 teams/school. After registering, please submit on official school or district letterhead your Free and Reduced Lunch status and submit to OrloskyC@carnegiesciencecenter.org

Why participate in SciYinz Squad?

Unlike traditional science competitions that require advanced preparation and time spent working on projects outside of the classroom, SciYinz Squad provides a simplified competition experience that allows teachers and students to focus on the science behind these learning opportunities as well as teambuilding.

All necessary program supplies, equipment, prompts, instructions, and support will be provided by Carnegie Science Center STEM Educators during each SciYinz Squad Competition. So, you and your students can focus on what is most important, having fun! And did we mention that there are prizes?

SciYinz Squad competitions are also an excellent way to incorporate Pennsylvania’s newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The three dimensions of learning are innately distributed within each competition. The NGSS provide students the encouragement to question, investigate, and draw their own inferences based on evidence. Through the NGSS, we are preparing future generations to be independent, responsible, and proactive thinkers before they experience life beyond the classroom.

SciYinz Squads come together throughout the school year to engage student competitions. No preparation is required, all materials are provided by the Science Center during the program. The following SciYinz Squad competitions are scheduled on-site at Carnegie Science Center this academic year:

  • Chain Reaction – Nov. 21, 2024 (Grades 6–8) and Nov. 22, 2024 (Grades 9–12) from 8 am–3 pm
  • Judo-Bot Rumble – Jan. 23, 2025 (Grades 6-8) and Jan. 24, 2025 (Grades 9-12) from 8 am–3 pm
  • Chain Reaction – Feb. 27, 2025 (Grades 6–8) and Feb. 28, 2025 (Grades 9–12) from 8 am–3 pm

Questions? Contact Christie Orlosky, STEM Competitions Coordinator, OrloskyC@carnegiesciencecenter.org

This program is a part of the Center for STEM Education and Career Development.