FAQs

1. What is the Boston Makers & Innovators Challenge?
The Boston Makers & Innovators Challenge is a hands-on STEM design and innovation competition for students in Grades K–8, hosted by Stem Together. Participants build projects, present ideas, and complete real-time challenges that celebrate creativity, engineering, and problem-solving.

2. Who can participate?
Makers Challenge: Grades 6 and below
Innovators Challenge: Grades 8 and below

Students may join both divisions if they qualify by grade level.
Live Challenges are open to all ages, including families.

3. Can my child join with a friend?
Yes! Teams may have up to 2 members. Solo participation is also welcome.

4. Do participants need previous experience?
No prior experience is required. All challenges are designed for every level—perfect for both first-time builders and experienced makers.

5. When and where is the event?
Event Date: January 31, 2026
Location: Newton North High School

1. How do we register?
Complete the registration form online.

2. What are the important deadlines?
Registration Deadline: January 23, 2026
Submission Deadline (for Innovators categories): January 23, 2026

3. Is there a registration fee?

Participation in the competition is FREE.

Please note there is a ticket fee per child (3Y - 16Y) to attend the event.

Online Reservation: Purchase your ticket online for $10.
On-Site Purchase: Tickets purchased directly at the venue are $12.

4. Can students submit multiple projects?
Yes, as long as each project meets the submission requirements for its category.

5. What if my child cannot attend on event day?
Innovators Challenge projects (3D Design, Chatbot, Innovation) may still be judged based on submitted materials, but all Live Challenges and Makers competitions require physical attendance.

1. What materials are allowed for Maker's projects?
Most classroom-safe materials are acceptable (cardboard, wheels, motors, craft supplies).
No hazardous items, flames, chemicals, or unsafe mechanisms are allowed.

2. Can parents help build the project?
Adults may guide, but all work must be done by the student(s). Judges may ask questions to confirm student understanding.

3. Can projects be tested before the official run?
Yes. For example, non-electric cars and obstacle-avoiding robots may be tested before their official attempts.

4. How are Maker projects judged?
Each category has its own rubric, usually focusing on creativity, engineering design, performance (distance, speed, stability), and functionality.

5. What if my child’s project breaks on event day?
Teams may bring spare parts or tools for quick repairs. However, major rebuilding during judging time may not be allowed.

1. What must be submitted for the Innovators categories?
Each project requires:

A physical product (prototype, model, or device)
A poster board explaining the idea, process, and result

2. What software can students use for 3D design or laser cutting?
TinkerCAD, Fusion 360, Onshape, LaserMaker, or any similar design tool.

3. Can students use downloaded models (e.g., Thingiverse)?
No—designs must be original. Downloaded models may only be used if significantly modified.

4. What AI tools are allowed for the AI Chatbot Challenge?
ChatGPT, DeepSeek, block-based platforms (such as mBlock), or scripting-based platforms.

5. Does the Chatbot need to run offline or be fully coded?
No. It only needs to be interactive and show a clear, logical conversation flow.

6. What counts as a valid ICW (Invention Convention Worldwide) project?
A valid ICW project should:

Identify a real problem
Show the design or invention process
Present a solution through a prototype, design, or research experiment

1. Do we need to register separately for the Live Challenges?
No. Live challenges are open to all attendees on event day.

2. What types of live activities will there be?
Examples include:

Brainco focus-controlled racing cars
Air-powered car building (15-minute build!)
Family Strawbees relay (passing ping-pong balls)

3. Do participants need to bring materials?
All materials for live challenges are provided on-site.

1. Who are the judges?
A panel of educators, engineers, and industry professionals invited by the Boston Makers & Innovators Challenge.

2. How are projects evaluated?
Projects are judged using published rubrics that consider creativity, originality, engineering, presentation clarity, and functionality (criteria vary by category).

3. What awards will be given?
Each division offers trophies and certificates, such as:

Most Creative
Best Engineering Concept
Most Useful Design
Outstanding Innovation
Judge’s Choice
Audience’s Choice… plus additional awards depending on the category.

4. Will every participant receive something?
TBD

1. What should students bring on event day?
Students should bring:

Their completed project (if applicable)
A poster board
Any additional materials required for presentation
Basic repair tools (optional)

2. Can families attend?
Yes! Families are welcome and encouraged to cheer on participants.

3. Will food be available?
TBD

4. Are photos or videos allowed?
Yes. Attendees may take photos and videos, and the Boston Makers & Innovators Challenge will also capture official photos and videos for educational and promotional use.

1. Which competitions require a presentation?
The following competitions require participants to present their project to the judges through a poster and/or verbal explanation:

Innovators Challenge

1. AI Chatbot Challenge
✔ Requires a poster presentation explaining:

The chatbot’s purpose
Conversation flow design
How it was built (tools/platforms used)
Example interactions

✔ Students will demonstrate the chatbot live during judging.

2. 3D Design and/or Laser Cutter Design Challenge

✔ Requires a presentation covering:

The idea and inspiration behind the design
The design process (software, iterations, sketches)
The final product (3D print, laser-cut item, or combination)
How the product works or is used

✔ Students must present the physical product to the judges.

3. Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) Local Competition

✔ Requires a poster + prototype presentation, including:

The problem identified
Brainstorming and design process
Prototype, experiment, or solution
Results and reflection

Makers Challenge

1. Sustainable Engineering City Challenge (Below G5)

✔ Requires a simple verbal or poster presentation:

Sustainable features
Renewable energy components
City layout and engineering choices

✔ Age-friendly—no memorized script required.

2. Creative Toys / Robots Challenge (Below G3)

✔ Requires a short show-and-tell style presentation:

What the toy/robot does
How it moves (mechanism, motor, etc.)
What inspired the design

✔ Presentations may be simple, especially for younger children.

2. Which competitions do not require a presentation?

The following performance-based Makers competitions do not require posters or formal presentations:

Non-Electric Cars (Below G2) – judged by distance and design.
Obstacle-Avoiding Robots (Below G7) – judged by course performance.

3. What is the expected format for required presentations?

Poster board (required for all Innovators categories; optional but encouraged for older Makers)
Verbal explanation (short, friendly, and age-appropriate)
Demonstration of the product, model, or prototype

4. How long should presentations be?

Generally 1–5 minutes.
Judges may ask questions to better understand the student’s thinking.

1. Do participants need prior experience with robotics or BCI devices?
No experience is required! Our staff will give a short orientation on how to use the robotic arm and BCI device before the challenge begins.

2. How are teams formed and can parents participate?This is a two-person team challenge. Participants may form their own teams, and any age (K–Grade 10) is welcome. Adults may assist younger children only during setup, but the challenge itself must be completed by the participants.

3. How is scoring determined?Each object on the table has a different point value. Teams earn points by successfully picking up designated objects with the robotic arm and placing them into the collection basket within the time limit. The team with the highest total score wins.

4. What happens if an object is dropped or the arm malfunctions?If an object is dropped, players may try again as long as they are within the time limit. If a technical issue occurs with the BCI or robotic arm, event staff will assist and may grant a restart if needed.

5. How do we make sure everyone stays safe and the equipment is protected?All participants must handle the robotic arm and BCI device gently and follow staff instructions at all times. No pulling, twisting, or forcing the robotic arm. If the device isn’t responding, stop immediately and ask a staff member for help. Any unsafe behavior or misuse of equipment may result in the team being paused or disqualified for safety.

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