Explore STEM Challenge

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

Are you interested in STEM and design and want to participate in a friendly competition with others who love God’s Word? Now is your chance in the exciting Explore STEM Challenge!

Theme: Engineering and Building Balsa Towers

Explore STEM Challenge is a one-day design competition hosted by Answers in Genesis at the Ark Encounter. This event allows young women and men ages 14 to 18 to collaborate in a friendly competition by putting their critical thinking and creative design skills to the test. Teams (each composed of two to four students, ages 14–18, and one adult leader, age 21 or older) will build a balsa tower prior to competition day. Teams will bring their structure to the Explore STEM Challenge on November 4, 2026, to have it tested under simulated earthquake conditions and judged by a panel of experts. Participating teams will explore real-world applications as well as learn from experts in the field related to the challenge.

Please direct any questions to our Educational Content Team.

Prize

The top three winning designs will be awarded a monetary prize and more! A special thanks to each of the sponsors below.

First place prize—$3,000 (Cedarville University)
Second place prize—$2,000 (Grace College)
Third place prize—$1,000 (The Cornwall Alliance)

This event will equip and encourage participants to hold to the authority of God’s Word while learning about STEM from a biblical worldview! Form your team, register, and get designing today!

Registration fee includes the following:

• Admission to the Ark Encounter for 2–4 students (ages 14 to 18) and 1 adult leader
• Box lunches
• Parking

We also encourage your team to stay another day and participate in the Creation College Expo. Separate registration is required and more information can be found here.

Testing Apparatus Video

Pricing & Registration

• $179.99/group
• Includes a group of 2–4 students (ages 14 to 18) and 1 adult leader, box lunches, and parking.
• Preregistration required

Dates

• Wednesday, November 4, 2026
  

  Registration Coming Soon