Check back soon for the 2027 Challenge!
Planns are underway for Colchester Zoological Society’s STEM Design Challenge 2027! This free global This FREE global project invites students to tackle real-world conservation and animal welfare challenges by designing innovative animal enclosures. By following the STEM design process and applying skills in science, technology, engineering, and maths, participants will have the unique opportunity to reimagine a new animal home.
Details will be released in December with the contest running Jan-Apr 2027!
This FREE project and contest are open to all education groups worldwide. Resources are provided digitally, so there’s no need to visit Colchester Zoo to take part.
Are you a home educator, science club leader, or part of another educational group? You’re more than welcome to register and participate! Just provide details when you sign up.
How to Participate:
-
1) Sign-up to participate
-
2) Teachers (and other leaders) can participate in an optional virtual training and info session about STEM design thinking – early Jan 2027
-
3) Students develop their enclosure design prototype and work to refine it
-
4) Classes can (optional) participate in a virtual feedback session on their design progress (Feb 2027)
-
5) Students finalise their designs and (optional) submit them for entry into the Contest!
Important Dates
Specific dates and more details comming soon!
-
Jan 2027 – Registration opens
-
Jan 2027 – Virtual training for teachers/leaders on STEM Design thinking
-
Feb 2027 – Real-world feedback for designs in-progress
-
Apr 2027 – Contest submissions close EXTENDED DEADLINE!
-
Apr 2027 – Contest winners announced
Looking for inspiration?
In the 2024 challenge, students used their creativity and STEM skills to redesign our Mixed African Paddock for the future. Over 10,000 children participated in this exciting challenge. Now, we’re excited to see how students around the world will use their talents to help create the perfect home for the sun bears at Free the Bears’ sanctuary.
