NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) recently hosted the 26th annual Invention Challenge, an event that brings together teams of middle and high school students to compete with their home-built contraptions. The challenge has been held at JPL since 1998 and pits teams against each other to complete a task that changes annually.
This year's "Bucket Brigade Contest" required teams to design devices capable of moving approximately two gallons of water from a holding reservoir into a bucket over 16 feet away in just 60 seconds. The rules were stringent, with teams needing to satisfy a long list of requirements.
A total of 18 teams from Los Angeles and Orange counties competed, as well as five teams from outside the area, including four from Colorado and Massachusetts, and one involving professional engineers. In the end, Arcadia High School's Team Still Water emerged victorious, completing the task in just 6.45 seconds.
However, not all of the top spots went to local students. The team led by retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault came in first place for a second consecutive year, while "Team 6" from Pioneer Charter School of Science took second place for the third year in a row.
Judges also recognized several teams for their creativity and originality, including Team Clankers from Mission Viejo High as the most artistic, Team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science as the most unusual, and Team Winning Engineering Team (WET) from Temple City High as the most creative.
The event was made possible by dozens of volunteers from JPL staff, who also included JPL Fire Chief Dave Dollarhide as a guest judge. With its unique blend of innovation, creativity, and friendly competition, the Invention Challenge continues to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers and scientists.
This year's "Bucket Brigade Contest" required teams to design devices capable of moving approximately two gallons of water from a holding reservoir into a bucket over 16 feet away in just 60 seconds. The rules were stringent, with teams needing to satisfy a long list of requirements.
A total of 18 teams from Los Angeles and Orange counties competed, as well as five teams from outside the area, including four from Colorado and Massachusetts, and one involving professional engineers. In the end, Arcadia High School's Team Still Water emerged victorious, completing the task in just 6.45 seconds.
However, not all of the top spots went to local students. The team led by retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault came in first place for a second consecutive year, while "Team 6" from Pioneer Charter School of Science took second place for the third year in a row.
Judges also recognized several teams for their creativity and originality, including Team Clankers from Mission Viejo High as the most artistic, Team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science as the most unusual, and Team Winning Engineering Team (WET) from Temple City High as the most creative.
The event was made possible by dozens of volunteers from JPL staff, who also included JPL Fire Chief Dave Dollarhide as a guest judge. With its unique blend of innovation, creativity, and friendly competition, the Invention Challenge continues to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers and scientists.
16ft bucket challenge? Who needs that much stress in school? 
They're already prepping the kids for the future at such a young age...I mean, I'm all for encouraging STEM fields, but what's the long-term plan here? Are we just setting them up to be overworked engineers or innovators? 
. And, team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science is on a roll too, taking second place for three years in a row 
. But let's give it up for retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault and his team - they're like the OG innovators 
! And I love how JPL is all about empowering the next gen of engineers and scientists 
. Anyway, can't wait to see what next year's challenge brings! 
? anyway, congrats to everyone who participated and can't wait to see what they do next! 
. This is exactly what we need more of - innovation and inspiration for the next gen of engineers and scientists 
. I THINK THIS KIND OF COMPETITION IS TOTALLY GOING TO INSPIRE THEM TO DO GREAT THINGS IN THE FUTURE!
. I mean, can you imagine being a kid again, surrounded by like-minded people who just wanna build something crazy and have fun with it? It's awesome to see these students coming together, working on their projects, and pushing the limits of what they think is possible.
. I mean, 18 teams competing for a single spot? That's like, super competitive. And the pressure to complete the task in just 60 seconds? That's like trying to solve a puzzle with a clock ticking away 
.
. There's just something special about combining creativity, problem-solving, and imagination to create something entirely new. Anyway, can't wait to see what next year's Invention Challenge brings! 