.: What is Science Challenge


Science challenge is a day of competition for third, fourth, and fifth grade students in the Plano independent school district. It is a series of competitions, events, and demonstrations that make science fun and exciting. The goal of this program is to help inspire elementary students to pursue the sciences throughout their life. On a lighter note, Science Challenge is a day of fun for everyone who participates in any or all of the events.

.: Science Challenge Events

Science Bowl

This is an elaborate game of brains and wit. Science bowl challenges all competing students to engage their scientific knowledge in a fun, exciting, and adrenaline-pumping environment. The number one goal of this game is to have fun. This activity operates like the famous TV game show “Jeopardy,” where the host asks questions over a particular subject matter (in this case, science-related questions) and the first participant to buzz in gets to answer the question. The top three teams to win receive an award.

Problem Solving

Students have thirty minutes of hands-on activities to test their problem solving skills. In solving the provided problem, kids utilize their creativity and leadership skills. After solving the problem, students can watch the judging to see how well their structures fare in relation to their fellow students’ creations. Past events have included water-related structures (holding weight in water, etc), egg launches, and structural stability problems. Every year kids have great fun working in groups, and learn from their hands- on activities.

Individual Scientist

Individual Scientist is a competition in which individual students test their scientific knowledge through taking a timed thirty-minute multiple-choice test. Students will not receive their scores, but students with the top three scores will be notified and awarded at the ceremony.

Chem Demo!

Enjoy our exciting chemistry labs! They’re delicious. Proven testimonials: “Yup, they’re delicious.” Chem Demo, a favorite among the students, allows students to take a break from all the thinking and watch some thrilling science in action. There are many explosions and plenty of science demonstrations for everyone to enjoy. But don’t worry, safety is our primary concern and no one will get hurt.

Take a break for racking your brain for information, and come on down and enjoy some fun science games! Make some sticky slime or take a break with Chemistry Bingo, along with many other activities provided!

Science Challenge- Concessions

Science challenge is a fun competition where students may demonstrate a great knowledge of science by means of competition and gain knowledge of science along the way as well.

.: Registration Form


Registration Form can be filled out, printed and sent to the address below. Forms MUST be postmarked by October 18th!

Plano Senior High School
Attn: PSHS LASER – Karen Shepherd
2200 Independence Pkwy
Plano, TX 75075

.: Schedule of Events

A Printer Friendly copy of the schedule can be downloaded here!

*Games and activities in the cafeteria for all to play. (Slime making, make your own bouncing balls, crafts , science project information, Planetarium show, and more!)

** Pizza and snacks available at the concession stand in the cafeteria for the entire day