Sciyinz Squad Competitions
- Requires Preregistration
- Grade Levels: 6-8, 9-12
- Content Themes: Human Endeavors, Engineering & Technology, Mathematics
If it can be dreamt, it can be built.
SciYinz Squad competitions are fun, team-based challenges for Grades 6-12 students that foster creativity and collaboration while exploring key scientific principles across STEM fields. All materials are provided by the Science Center, so no prep is needed from teachers or parents.
A Turn-Key Experience
-
SciYinz Squad competitions offer a simplified experience, allowing teachers and students to focus on science and teamwork without needing prep or outside work.
-
Prizes are awarded, adding excitement to the competition.
-
The competitions align with Pennsylvania’s Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which encourage students to question, investigate, and make evidence-based conclusions.
-
Competitions occur throughout the school year.
Current Competition Schedule
-
Judo-Bot Rumble – Nov. 21, 2025 (Grades 6–8) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
-
Judo-Bot Rumble – Feb. 26, 2026 (Grades 6-8) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
-
Judo-Bot Rumble – Feb. 27, 2026 (Grades 9-12) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
-
Chain Reaction – Dec. 5, 2025 (Grades 9-12) from 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Team Registration
There is a limit of two teams per school.
Check should be made payable to “Carnegie Institute.” Payment should be remitted no later than two weeks prior to the competition date and addressed to:
Kamin Science Center
ATTN: Finance
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
About Judo-Bot Rumble
The Judo-Bot competitions are fun and engaging student competitions that promote teamwork, collaboration, and creativity all while addressing basic scientific principles that are regularly encountered across a wide array of STEM fields. All materials are provided by the Science Center during the program so there is no need for teachers or parents to compile supplies in advance.
Judo-Bot competitions come together throughout the school year to engage student competitions. No preparation is required; all materials are provided by the Science Center during the program.
About Chain Reaction Competition
Teams arrive at the competition with a Chain Reaction machine designed to accomplish a specific task. Teams of students compete with machines designed to complete the same task under identical parameters. Each machine must use 10 steps to complete the task within two minutes. Teams will have four minutes to reset their machine, then complete the task a second time. Machines should include a theme.
Scoring is based on reliability, task completion, most challenging transfers of energy, artistry, creativity, theme, and teamwork. If the machine malfunctions, team members are permitted to manually guide it to the next step; a penalty is assessed for each intervention. Scoring is determined by a series of judges. Upon registration, a teacher-student handbook will be provided.
Scholarships
Questions
Please contact Christie Orlosky, STEM competitions coordinator, OrloskyC@KaminScienceCenter.org.
This program is a part of the Center for STEM Education and Career Development.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available for qualifying schools. Please contact us at SciYinzSquad@KaminScienceCenter.org to learn more.
Questions?
Please contact Christie Orlosky, STEM competitions coordinator, OrloskyC@KaminScienceCenter.org.