From Orange County Public Schools
The STEM program in schools plays a crucial role in preparing students for a rapidly evolving world driven by technology and innovation. By integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the curriculum, students not only develop essential problem-solving and critical-thinking skills but also foster creativity and collaboration.
Exposure to STEM subjects sparks interest in careers that are vital for economic growth and addressing global challenges. As industries increasingly rely on skilled professionals, enhancing STEM education ensures that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to thrive in a complex and interconnected society. Investing in STEM is an investment in our future.
And this weekend at Apopka High School, you can witness the best that Orange County Public Schools has to offer.
More than 1,000 students will showcase their science, technology, engineering, and math expertise at the annual OCPS Super STEM Saturday event.
The two newest competitions are a high school forensics challenge 
and a VEX IQ robotics (grades 3-8). In the forensics challenge, participants will use their scientific skills to identify and analyze evidence. Participants will conduct a fingerprint match, poison test, shoe print test and type a blood sample. To complete the challenge, teams will conduct the tests and answer questions related to the evidence. The team with the most points wins.
In the VEX IQ competition teams of students design and build a robot to compete against other teams in a game-based engineering challenge. Students will use their STEM skills, such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking and creativity to create and operate their robot.
More than 60 schools will compete for titles in 14 different events. In addition to forensics and VEX IQ, additional competitions include:
- VEX V5 robotics (high school)
- Drone Maker Challenge
- LEGO SPIKE Challenge
- Water bottle rocket
- Balsa Bridge Competition
- Egg Drop
- Mousetrap Car
- STEAM Essay and Posters
- Energy Inspired Art
- Energy Transfer Machine
- Junior Solar Sprint
- STEM Fair
We hope you'll join us for this special event celebrating #SuperSTEM24.
