eDay 2026 Competitions
Engineering Day (eDay) competitions give students in grades 3-8 a chance to explore engineering through hands-on, interactive challenges. Students will design, build, and test creative solutions while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Each competition highlights real-world engineering concepts in a fun, engaging setting. Check back soon for full competition rules and details.
Each school may register as many teams as they would like for each competition. Teams may consist of multiple students or a single student, allowing individuals to participate independently. This flexible format encourages broad participation and gives students multiple opportunities to engage in different challenges.
A Blazing Race
Hosted by MLGW
Get ready to race! The MLGW A-Blazing Race challenges students in grades 6-12 to design, build, and race their own solar-powered cars using a kit provided by MLGW.
Gather your team of 4-8 students and compete on a 20-meter track at Engineering Day 2026, hosted by the University of Memphis Herff College of Engineering (corner of Zach Curlin & Norriswood).
Coding Challenge
The Scratch Interactive Coding Competition is a fast-paced Scratch coding competition where students have just 20 minutes to create an interactive animation, dance party, or visual experience using a provided template. The competition is divided into three divisions: Elementary, Middle, and High School, with challenges tailored to each level. For some inspiration, check out this example! Participants must think quickly, code efficiently, and showcase their creativity under time constraints. The challenge emphasizes rapid problem-solving, interactivity, and artistic expression.
Egg Drop
Students in grades 3-8 will design and build an Egg Transport Vehicle to safely carry an uncooked egg from a first-floor drop to the ground. Designs must meet size and material guidelines while demonstrating creativity and effective protection strategies. Entries are judged based on whether the egg survives the drop and a scoring system that considers the vehicle’s mass and materials used.
Flash Build
Students will design and construct a structure using index cards and limited tape to support a tower of textbooks. Teams must build a strong and efficient foundation that can hold increasing weight for a set period of time. Designs are evaluated based on strength, height, and material efficiency. This challenge emphasizes structural design, resource management, and creative problem-solving under constraints.
Transportation K'Nex Challenge
Students will design and assemble a K’NEX-powered vehicle to deliver “packages” to different locations within a timed course. Teams are scored based on delivery efficiency, strategy, and overall performance during the mission. This competition emphasizes planning, mechanical design, and strategic decision-making.
Penny Boat
Students will design and build a small boat using a single sheet of aluminum foil to hold as many pennies as possible without sinking. Boats are tested in water as pennies are added one at a time, and the design that holds the most weight wins. The challenge explores buoyancy, weight distribution, and creative design approaches.
Spaghetti Structure
Students will use spaghetti and marshmallows to build a structure capable of supporting weighted objects. Designs are evaluated based on how much weight they can hold and how long they remain standing. The challenge highlights teamwork, stability, and innovative use of simple materials.
Artificial Grasping Hands
Students will design and build a mechanical hand capable of picking up and transporting objects of different shapes and sizes. Teams compete to move items across a set distance using only their device, earning points based on speed and difficulty of objects handled. This competition encourages understanding of biomechanics, precision, and functional design.