Local Scouts Invited to Compete in Minnesota State's Engineering Machine Design Contest

Design and build a complex machine using everyday objects with the guidance of a coach!

Contest Overview

The Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence will be holding the Engineering Machine Design Contest at various sites during February and March of 2023 in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Local Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews (or individually organized Scouts and Venturers) are invited to compete in teams of 3-12 people.  Participating units or Scouts will compete in either the junior division (5th-8th graders) or senior division (9-12 graders) based on the current grade-level of the registrants. 

For Scouts BSA members, this contest can fulfill at least one requirement of the Engineering Merit Badge, as well as at least one requirement from both the Dr. Bernard Harris Supernova Bronze Medal and Thomas Edison Supernova Silver Medal.  Venturers can fulfill requirements from both the Dr. Sally Ride Supernova Bronze Medal and Wright Brothers Supernova Silver Medal.   

Contest Locations and Registration Deadlines

• Anoka, MN, February 24 – Registration due January 27.
• Virtual Open, February 27 – Registration due February 13.
• Winona, MN, March 17 – Registration due February 17.
• Mankato, MN, March 24 – Registration due February 24.
• Chippewa Falls, WI, March 30 – Registration due date TBD.
• St. Cloud, MN, March 31– Registration due March 3.

Space is limited and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Costs and details per event site vary, so please follow the link below to be directed to the regional contest page:

Regional Contest Information Page

Further Contest Resources

Contest Handbook

Team Registration Scholarship Application

Sign-up For Contest Email Updates

Example Machine Videos

Team Resources

Supernova Award Information

It is possible for Scouts and Venturers to work on requirements related to multiple Supernova Awards while participating in this experience.  For information on the Supernova Awards program, please follow the link below: 

Northern Star Scouting STEM Advancement Page

contact information

Please note that contact information is specific to the regional contest sites (you can find the local contacts by using the link referenced above in the "contest location" section.  Isaac Olson, listed below, is the St. Cloud State University contact and shared this opportunity with Northern Star Scouting (and also happens to be an alumnus of the Scouting program and Eagle Scout).