FAQs

Q: How do I apply?
A: The deadline to apply has passed. Please check back in the summer of 2012 to apply.

Q: What are the rules of the competition?
A: Click hereto download the application, which contains the competition rules and regulations.

Q: How many teams may I enter?
A: A teacher may enter as many teams as he/she would like.

Q: How many people must be on each team?
A: There must be between three and five students per team.

Q: What grade levels may participate?
A: Fifth through eighth grades.

Q: When is the competition?
A: The preliminaries are Monday, December 5 – Wednesday, December 7, 2011. The final competition is Thursday, December 29, 2011.

Q: Where are the preliminaries held?
A: ASU West, Phoenix

Q: Will lunch be served at the preliminary competition?
A: Yes. Lunch will be served to each participating student and coach. However, it is recommended that the team coach bring snacks.  Unfortunately, we are unable to comply with dietary restrictions. Parents and guests will be able to purchase lunch in the cafeteria at ASU West.

Q: Are there activities for the students at the preliminary competition?
A: Yes. There will be various activities for students throughout the day. However, it is recommended that students bring additional activities.

Q: Are parents invited to the preliminaries?
A: Parents are welcome; however, we ask that you be mindful as space is limited.

Q: Where should I park for the preliminaries?
A: Each team coach will be given one parking pass per team (unless using a bus) that will direct them to the appropriate parking lot. Guests should follow signs to visitor parking. Please note, that there will be a charge for visitor parking.

Q: How long will the preliminaries last?
A: Team registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. and the finalist teams will be announced at approximately 3:30 p.m. Please note that times are subject to change.

Q: Are all teams able to attend the finals?
A: Yes.  All teams are invited to attend the final competition at the Challenger Space Center.

Q: How many teams will advance to the final competition?
A: Six teams total; two from each preliminary competition.

Q: What is the grand prize?
A: The grand prize is a trip for the winning team and coach to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will receive a VIP tour of the NASA facilities. Each finalist team will also receive a plaque and a mission at the Challenger Space Center that may be used by the team’s entire class.