Dream with Us: Middle School Design Challenge
The Dream with Us: Middle School Design Challenge for 2026-2027 is the Fueling Flight Design Challenge: New Energy Systems. Students in grades 6-8 work in teams of 2-4 participants to adapt an existing airport to meet the needs of the future of aviation. As new aircraft begin to use different types of fuel, airports need to adapt and change as well. Join this year’s challenge to solve a real-world aviation issue.
GET INVOLVED
WITH THE DREAM WITH US: MIDDLE SCHOOL AVIATION CHALLENGE
Register a Team
To register your teams fill out the form by clicking the link below.
Join us for an inspiring journey of imagination, innovation, and discovery! Registration is now open for your team of 2–4 students to Dream with Us, a dynamic experience designed especially for middle school students. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore big ideas, spark creativity, and connect with others who are ready to dream big.
Come Dream with Us…as a Judge!
Get involved and register to be a judge.
Sign up to be a volunteer to have the opportunity to serve as a middle school judge. Be a part of an inspiring process to see the possibilities of the younger generation.
Judges will review and score a presentation with two categories: technical and creative. Have the option of meeting with other judges to discuss final selections.
Key Dates to Remember
2026-2027 DWU
MIDDLE SCHOOL DESIGN CHALLENGE
Key Dates to Remember
Sep. 25, 2026: Challenge Goes Live
TBD (check back soon): Information Session
Dec. 08, 2026: Registration Deadline
Jan. 25, 2027: Submission Deadline
Mar. 19, 2027: Finalists Selected and Announced
Apr. 02, 2027: Finalist Presentations (Virtual)
Apr. 09, 2027: Winners Announced
Steps for Competing in the Challenge
Challenge Requirements
It is important to thoroughly review all of the materials provided in preparation for successfully participating in the upcoming Middle School Design Challenge event experience.
Work on the Challenge
Look through the scoring rubric to get familiar with the requirements of the challenge. Review the engineering notebook template to address the questions in the scoring rubric aligning with the challenge theme.
Submit Your Solution
Be sure to submit your engineering notebook by the official submission deadline. Use the NASA STEM Gateway platform to upload your complete and finalized notebook for review.
Visit the High School Engineering Challenge
High School students will focus on designing a new cargo aircraft fueled by liquefied natural gas and creating a proposal to support your freight company’s selection of the design.
Learn more about the High School Engineering Challenge about Visit the High School Engineering Challenge
