Elementary and middle school students from across Berks County put their creativity and engineering skills to the test during the Regional STEM Design Challenge, held March 17 and 19 at the UGI Training Center. The event brought together 45 teams from 12 school systems, all tasked with designing and building prototype factory machines using K’Nex and Engino materials. This year’s challenge emphasized sustainability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, pushing students to think critically about real world engineering needs.

Teams were evaluated on creativity, teamwork, design, presentation, blueprint development, and engineering journals. The competition highlighted not only technical skill but also communication, collaboration, and innovative thinking.

Top Finishers

Grades 4-5 | March 17

1st Place: The Pickle Penguins | Exeter Township – Owatin Creek Elementary 2nd Place: The STEM Gems | Oley Valley Elementary 3rd Place: The Elite Engineers | Oley Valley Elementary

Grades 6-8 | March 19

1st Place: Leaf Engineered Artificial Fabric (L.E.A.F.) | Twin Valley MS 2nd Place: IQutes | Governor Mifflin MS 3rd Place: Pennsylvania Power Planners | Oley Valley MS

The two first place teams will advance to the State STEM Design Challenge on May 8 at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Their achievements reflect the growing passion for STEM education across Berks County and the BCIU’s commitment to fostering hands on, future focused learning.