All students grades 9-12 from NM high schools including public, charter, and private; home educators may participate by joining a public school team Though all students in STEM high school classrooms may participate, schools will select 1 team of up to 10 students and 2 teacher mentors to represent the school and submit a proposed solution in the form of a written plan (10 pg. max) and 10-minute presentation of proposed solution To participate in the STEM Challenge, each team will develop 1) a prototype/rough model of their solution, and 2) a proposal packet that outlines their prototype and presents a compelling plan for its usage. 1) the prototype: Could be a computational model, computer simulation, or physical prototype Smaller = usually better (needs to be transportable to the Statewide Showcase) Can be made from reused and repurposed items Can be made in a fab-lab or makerspace, but not a requirement Does not need to be functional but ideally will be If not functional, students need to explain how it could work 2) the proposal packet: Due by November 22, 11:59pm Submit online to Statewide Showcase coordinator Anjeli Doty (adoty@lanl.gov) Needs to include: A one-page executive summary A written plan outlining the prototype design, development process, and usage plan; this document should identify the problem, convey the collaborative problem-solving process, demonstrate strengths and weaknesses, modifications, test results, and effectiveness A slide deck/pitch stack with photos, diagrams, etc. Understanding how the judging process works Once the proposal packet is submitted, judges from partnered employer sponsors will review the projects and assign 50% of the score. The judging system/rubric for the will be made available so that participants understand how teams will be evaluated and what it takes to be competitive. The second 50% of the score will be evaluated through in-person demonstrations and team interviews at the Statewide Showcase on December 7 at Los Lunas High School, NM.