STEM Expo

Contests and Competitions

Model Bridge Contest

Contestants will design and construct a two-dimensional bridge structure capable of spanning 19 inches. Each bridge must be made of UW-Platteville supplied balsa wood ($10) and meet required specifications. Bridges will be tested to determine load-carrying capacity by adding weight to the point of breaking. The bridge that demonstrates the highest load-carrying capacity per unit weight is the winner.

Bridge Kit Order Form

Pioneer 600 Car Race

The Pioneer 600 is a contest for high school students. Each contestant constructs and races a battery-powered car. Each car must utilize a UW-Platteville-supplied kit ($8.00) and meet required specifications. The car that travels 20 feet (600 cm) in the least amount of time is the winner! Prizes are awarded for first, second, and third place. In addition, awards are given for the most innovative design and best-looking car.

Complete Rules and Car Kit Order Form

Engineering Physics Scope-out Chanllenge

Stop by the Engineering Physics Telescope Challenge and use your ingenuity to build a two-lens telescope from a box of components. Correctly identify a distant object with your telescope and win a t-shirt! You do not need to sign up in advance; just stop by Busby Hall, Room 243 on Expo day.

Telescope Challenge Guidelines

Dining options

UW-Platteville Bridgeway Commons will be open for students during the STEM Expo. Lunch will be available at a cost of $10, and payment can be made either by cash or card. Additionally, student organizations will host food sales, featuring items such as grilled cheese, walking tacos, baked goods, and more.

Involvement Opportunities

UW–Platteville student organizations, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in STEM Expo.

• Register a project 
• Sign up for Food Sales
• Register to Volunteer

External Projects

Organizations and companies are invited to host an event at the STEM Expo. Be ready to provide a captivating title for your activity, a concise description suitable for middle and high school students, preferred building and room details, contact information, a representative photo of your project, space requirements, safety considerations, duration of the demonstration, engaging scavenger hunt questions for middle and high school students, and the target age group for your project.

• Submit your external project or exhibit

Thank you to our college partners

• Chemistry
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science and Software Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Engineering Physics
• Mathematics
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Sustainability and Renewable Energy Systems