Academic Events & Competitions

CalcuSolve is a math competition where students compete individually and as part of a team of 4 students.  There are 9 math problems, 7 individual and 2 team problems.  Students earn points based on correct answers given during a set amount of time.  

Information and registration for CalcuSolve can be found at http://aiu3academicevents.eventbrite.com

Teams of up to five high school students are tasked with the challenge of using their STEM skills and knowledge to solve a problem in their community. 

For more information on the Governor’s STEM Challenge, please go to the Governor's STEM Competition page.

Teams of up to 4 high school students will develop unique ideas to power Heinz Field / Pittsburgh in the future using renewable resources. Winning teams move on to the regional competition at Heinz Field in November. Winners at the regional competition can earn a Steelers Game Day Experience and a $1500 donation towards their school’s STEM program. No fee to participate.

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the Allegheny County Library Association partner to present the Children’s Choice Awards. Similar to a Mock Newbery program, school and public librarians will work together to help students (in grades 3-6) choose the best book of the year. Students will have until April to read the 8 nominated books and then vote for their favorite. The winning books will be announced at the event.

The website for the Children's Choice Awards can be found here.

Join us for the kick-off event of the Phipps Fairchild Challenge! After a brief welcome, students will rotate between three environmentally focused activities, including exploring the conservatory and diving into scientific observation, creative writing, and nature connection. Middle school students will also have an environmental education program on Wednesday, and high school students will interview our Phipps Botany in Action fellows about their research on Thursday.

At this event, your school can learn more about the Phipps Fairchild Challenge and find out how your classes can take part in this free, multidisciplinary, standards-based environmental education outreach program that gives high school, middle school, and elementary school students an opportunity to creatively address environmental issues.

Please note that there is a fee for this program.

2024 Schedule:

• Elementary Day - September 17, 9:30am-12:30pm
• Middle School Day - September 18, 9:15am-12:30pm
• High School Day (MS may register for this day as well) - September 19, 9:15am-12:30pm

Technovation Girls equips young women (ages 8-18) to become tech entrepreneurs and leaders. With the support of volunteer mentors and parents, girls work in teams to code mobile apps that address real-world problems.

The Technovation Girls platform provides free curriculum resources to help your team create their project.  Final projects are due by April 24, 2024.  Virtual check-ins will be scheduled throughout the year to provide support to teams.

For more information, or to register a team, please visit the Technovation Girls website.

Students in grades 3-6 are invited to a day of Wild Investigations with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.  There will be challenging science problems, scavenger hunts and visits from live animals. 

Fee - $16 per student

The STEM Design Challenge is an engineering design competition for students in grades 4-8.  Teams of between 2 and 4 students work to solve a problem.  They will create a project using K'Nex, write a Design Notebook, and submit a blueprint.  The winning team at the regional competition will be eligible to compete at the state competition in May.

For more information about the STEM Design Challenge, please go to the competition website.

Come explore the Heinz History Center during this special one-day event! Teams of 4 students will be challenged to find answers to questions, think and write creatively, and practice problem-solving abilities as they explore the exhibits.  

2024 Schedule:

Coming soon...

Registration and Information about the PA Media and Design Competition can be found here.

Registration will open for the 2024-2025 competition on December 1, 2024.

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit's competition will be held virtually.

Teams of 4 students explore the exhibits at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and compete in various challenges.    

Fee - $12 per student