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Closed on Sat., Aug. 30.



Students building contraptions
Students building contraptions

SciYinz Squad Competitions 2025-2026

Why participate in SciYinz Squad Competitions?

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. These 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.

JUDO-BOT Competitions for Grades 6–12

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

The Judo-Bot 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 Judo-Bot?

Students in grades 6–12 are invited to participate (check dates below for grade level competitions).

What is the cost?

The registration fee to participate in the Judo-Bot Competition is $25 per team (limit of two teams/school). Payment due at least two weeks prior to the competition date. The Science Center accepts payment in the form of check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to “Carnegie Institute” and addressed to:

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

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying schools. Please contact our Reservations Team to find out if your school is eligible for a scholarship opportunity. Our Reservations Team is available Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Advance Registration Dates

Judo-Bot competitions 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 Judo-Bot competitions are scheduled on-site at Kamen Science Center this academic year:

  • Judo-Bot Rumble – Nov. 21, 2025 (Grades 6–8) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Judo-Bot Rumble – Feb. 26, 2026 (Grades 6-8) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Judo-Bot Rumble – Feb. 27, 2026 (Grades 9-12) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Chain Reaction Competition for Grades 9–12

Build your machine ahead of time and take it to the science center on competition day!

Teams arrive at the competition with a Chain Reaction machine designed to accomplish a specific task. Teams of students compete with machines designed to complete the same task under identical parameters. Each machine must use 10-steps to complete the task within two minutes. Teams will have four minutes to reset their machine, then complete the task a second time. Machines should include a theme.

Scoring is based on reliability, task completion, most challenging transfers of energy, artistry, creativity, theme, and teamwork. If the machine malfunctions, team members are permitted to manually guide it to the next step; a penalty is assessed for each intervention. Scoring is determined by a series of judges. Upon registration, a teacher-student handbook will be provided.

Who can participate in Chain Reaction?

Students in grades 9–12 are invited to participate. Teams will consist of up to 5 students/team.

What is the cost?

The registration fee to participate in the Judo-Bot Competition is $25 per team (limit of two teams/school). Payment due at least two weeks prior to the competition date. The Science Center accepts payment in the form of check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to “Carnegie Institute” and addressed to:

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

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying schools. Please contact our Reservations Team to find out if your school is eligible for a scholarship opportunity. Our Reservations Team is available Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Advance Registration Date

The following Chain Reaction competition is scheduled on-site at Kamen Science Center this academic year:

  • Chain Reaction – Dec. 5, 2025 (Grades 9-12) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

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

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