Contrapt Wisconsin is STEM Forward’s engaging middle school contraption competition. A contraption accomplishes a simple task in the most complicated, fun way possible. Building one can be challenging, but it allows students to work on skills involving engineering, simple machines, trial and error, project planning, physics, teamwork, and creativity. Our competition will enable students to showcase their talents to their peers and our judges to earn awards. This year’s theme is “Feed Your Pet,” students must create a contraption that ends with feeding their pet in 8 or more steps. (No live animals, please). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Theresa Wolf at twolf@stemforward.org.

View the preliminary Program here
Download Student Release form here.
View Preliminary Program here.

sponsorships available:

We invite you to sponsor Contrapt Wisconsin, a program that challenges 5th-8th grade students to apply engineering, creativity, and teamwork to design a chain reaction contraption. By sponsoring this event, your company will play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals and helping develop future problem solvers. Become a sponsor today and make a lasting impact!

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Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteer registration is now available for Contrapt Wisconsin judging. Please register today to join us in spring for Contrapt Wisconsin on May 2 (MSOE in Milwaukee) or May 9 (WCTC in Waukesha). Join a cluster of judges to view students’ creativity and ingenuity with these complex machines.

Register to be a volunteer judge

Looking for inspiration to introduce the Contrapt Competition in the classroom? Check out the "Action Contraption" activity in Discover Engineering's resource library—it's a great way to get kids excited and engaged!