Team of 2–6; up to 2 present · Animation, documentation PDF, and possible presentation
STEM Animation
Your team creates an animation that explains a STEM idea and documents how it was made.
What you make or do
- Create an animation no longer than three minutes that addresses the current theme. Sound is optional.
- Prepare a portfolio PDF with the animation's purpose, a hand-sketched storyboard with notes, a written explanation, references and permissions, software/hardware information, a work log, and the copyright checklist.
- Submit the portfolio PDF and an accessible animation link before the conference. Teams that advance explain the work to judges.
This year’s challenge
The 2027 theme is Think. Design. Create. Your animation centers on the engineering design process.
How the competition works
Before the event
Create the animation and documentation, then submit the portfolio PDF and animation URL by the official pre-conference deadline.
First round
Judges review the animation and portfolio to select semifinalists.
If you advance
Up to two team representatives give a presentation explaining the animation's purpose, research, design, and development. Ten minutes are allowed.
Know before you choose: The storyboard must be hand-sketched rather than screenshots. The current update specifies that graphics, images, backgrounds, and student-voice audio clips must be created by participants; read the full originality and copyright rules together.
How your work is scored
Judges score the documentation and animation, including the storyboard, clarity, visual quality, and originality. Semifinalists also earn presentation scores for explaining their work.
Read the full 2027 theme or preparation information
Check official rule updates
STEM Animation
4/2/26
PRELIMINARY ROUND
B. Animation
7. All graphics, images (including background), and student voice audio clips must be originally created by the participants.
Official files to keep
- Download the full event guide (PDF)
- Download the official rubric or score sheet (PDF)
- Download the general rules (PDF)
- Download the complete guide with the forms appendix (PDF)
Read the guide, current challenge, and updates together. This overview helps you choose; the official documents give the full requirements.
Guide evidence: 299–304. Annual sources checked September 10, 2026. These are national competition rules; your teacher will confirm any regional or state changes.
Interested in this event?
Use the notes sheet to check what this choice would involve.
Start my competition notes