Invention Challenge Brings Student Engineers to NASA JPL
On December 5, 2025, student teams gathered at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to compete in the annual Invention Challenge. This event brings together middle and high school students who design and build handmade devices to complete a specific engineering task. The 2025 challenge tasked teams with creating devices capable of moving about 2 gallons (8 liters) of water from a holding reservoir into a bucket placed roughly 16 feet (5 meters) away, all within 60 seconds.
The Invention Challenge brings student engineers from various schools to JPL to showcase their creativity and technical skills. Using materials such as plywood, PVC pipe, duct tape, and even soda cans, the teams constructed innovative contraptions. Many devices incorporated small motors and 3D-printed gears, demonstrating the students’ resourcefulness and engineering knowledge.
The 2025 Invention Challenge Brings Student Teams to Compete at JPL
Now in its 26th year, the Invention Challenge continues to inspire young engineers. The event first started at JPL in 1998 and has since become a highlight for middle and high school students interested in science and technology. Each year, the challenge changes, requiring teams to adapt their designs to new tasks. This year’s “Bucket Brigade Contest” emphasized speed and precision in moving water efficiently.
Eighteen teams from middle and high schools across Los Angeles and Orange counties took part in the 2025 competition. Arcadia High School’s Team Still Water claimed first place by completing the water transfer in just 6.45 seconds. Close behind was Mission Viejo High’s Team Senior Citizens, finishing in 6.71 seconds. The Samo Seals from Santa Monica High earned third place with a time of 9.18 seconds.
In addition to local teams, five groups from outside the region were invited to compete. These included four teams from schools in Colorado and Massachusetts, as well as one team involving professional engineers. Among them, the team led by retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault, called Trial and Error Engineering, won first place for the second year in a row. Team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science in the Boston area repeated their second-place finish from 2024. No team qualified for third place in this category.
Creativity and Teamwork Highlighted at the Invention Challenge
Judges also recognized teams for their creativity and unique approaches. Mission Viejo High’s Team Clankers received the award for most artistic device. Team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science was named most unusual, while Temple City High’s Winning Engineering Team (WET) earned the most creative award.
The event was supported by numerous volunteers from JPL staff, including guest judge JPL Fire Chief Dave Dollarhide, who brought his experience with bucket brigades to the competition. The Invention Challenge not only tests students’ engineering skills but also encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and innovation.
Overall, the 2025 Invention Challenge at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory successfully brought student engineers together to compete, learn, and demonstrate their talents. The event continues to be a valuable opportunity for young people to engage with science and engineering in a hands-on, exciting environment.
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Source: original article.