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10 Big Competitions For Students With Great Potential | Tips To Organize

10 Big Competitions For Students With Great Potential | Tips To Organize

Education

Jane Ng 27 Jul 2023 6 min read

In today’s interconnected world, students have the incredible opportunity to participate in competitions that span across borders, testing their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. So if you’re looking for exciting competitions for students, you’re in the right place!

From art challenges to prestigious science Olympiads, this blog post will introduce you to the thrilling world of global competitions for students. We’ll share helpful tips on how to organize an event that will leave a lasting impression. 

Get ready to discover your potential and leave your mark in the exciting world of student competitions!

Table of Contents

Competitions For Students. Image: freepik

Tips for Better Engagement

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#1 – International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)

The IMO has gained international recognition and has become a prestigious high school mathematics competition. It takes place annually in various countries around the world. 

The IMO aims to challenge and recognize the mathematical abilities of young minds while promoting international collaboration and fostering a passion for mathematics.

#2 – Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

The ISEF is a science competition that brings together high school students from around the world to showcase their scientific research and innovation. 

Organized annually by the Society for Science, the fair provides a global platform for students to present their projects, interact with leading scientists and professionals, and compete for prestigious awards and scholarships.

#3 – Google Science Fair – Competitions for students 

The Google Science Fair is an online science competition for young minds students aged 13 to 18 to showcase their scientific curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. 

The competition, hosted by Google, aims to inspire young minds to explore scientific concepts, think critically, and develop innovative solutions to address real-world challenges.

#4 – FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) 

The FRC is an exciting robotics competition that brings together high school teams from around the world. FRC challenges students to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in dynamic and complex tasks.

The FRC experience extends beyond the competition season, as teams often engage in community outreach programs, mentorship initiatives, and knowledge-sharing activities. Many participants go on to pursue higher education and careers in engineering, technology, and related fields, thanks to the skills and passion ignited by their involvement in FRC.

Competitions For Students – FIRST Robotics Competition. Image: Pontiac Daily Leader

#5 – International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

The IPhO not only celebrates the achievements of talented young physicists but also fosters a global community passionate about physics education and research. 

It aims to promote the study of physics, encourage scientific curiosity, and foster international collaboration among young physics enthusiasts.

#6 – The National History Bee and Bowl

The National History Bee & Bowl is a thrilling quiz bowl-style competition that tests students’ historical knowledge with fast-paced, buzzer-based quizzes.

It is designed to promote a deep understanding of historical events, figures, and concepts while fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and quick recall skills.

#7 – Doodle for Google – Competitions for students 

Doodle for Google is a competition that invites K-12 students to design a Google logo based on a given theme. Participants create imaginative and artistic doodles, and the winning doodle is featured on the Google homepage for a day. It encourages young artists to explore their creativity while incorporating technology and design.

Competitions For Students – Doodle for Google 2022 – India Winner. Image: Google

#8 – National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) Young Writers Program

NaNoWriMo is an annual writing challenge that occurs in November. The Young Writers Program provides a modified version of the challenge for students aged 17 and under. Participants set a word-count goal and work towards completing a novel during the month, fostering writing skills and creativity.

#9 – Scholastic Art & Writing Awards – Competitions for students 

One of the most prestigious and recognized competitions, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, invites students in grades 7-12 from the United States and other countries to submit their original works in various artistic categories, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, poetry, and short stories.

#10 – Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an esteemed literary competition that celebrates the art of storytelling and showcases emerging voices from across the Commonwealth countries.

It aims to showcase emerging voices and diverse perspectives in storytelling. Participants submit original short stories, and the winners receive recognition and the opportunity to have their work published.

Image: freepik

Tips For Hosting An Engaging and Successful Competition

By implementing the following tips, you can create engaging and successful competitions for students, encouraging their participation, fostering their skills, and providing a memorable experience:

1/ Choose an Exciting Theme

Select a theme that resonates with students and sparks their interest. Consider their passions, current trends, or topics relevant to their academic pursuits. A captivating theme will attract more participants and generate enthusiasm for the competition.

2/ Design Engaging Activities

Plan a variety of activities that challenge and inspire students. Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, debates, group discussions, hands-on projects, or presentations. 

Ensure the activities align with the competition’s objectives and encourage active participation.

3/ Establish Clear Guidelines and Rules

Communicate the competition’s rules, guidelines, and evaluation criteria to participants. Ensure that the requirements are easily understandable and readily available to all. 

Transparent guidelines promote fair play and enable students to prepare effectively.

4/ Provide Adequate Preparation Time

Allow students sufficient time to prepare for the competition such as the timeline and deadlines, giving them ample opportunity to research, practice, or refine their skills. Adequate preparation time increases the quality of their work and overall engagement.

5/ Leverage Technology

Utilize online platforms, such as AhaSlides, to enhance the competition experience. Tools like live polling, virtual presentations, and interactive quizzes, live Q&A can engage students and make the event more dynamic. Technology also allows for remote participation, expanding the reach of the competition.

AhaSlides can enhance the competition experience!

6/ Offer Meaningful Prizes and Recognition

Provide attractive prizes, certificates, or recognition for winners and participants. 

Consider prizes that align with the competition’s theme or offer valuable learning opportunities, such as scholarships, mentorship programs, or internships. Meaningful rewards motivate students and make the competition more enticing.

7/ Promote a Positive Learning Environment

Create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks. Encourage mutual respect, sportsmanship, and a growth mindset. Celebrate students’ efforts and achievements, fostering a positive learning experience.

8/ Seek Feedback for Improvement

After the competition, gather students’ feedback to understand their experiences and perspectives. Ask for suggestions on how to improve future editions of the competition. Valuing student feedback not only helps in enhancing future events but also shows that their opinions are valued.

Key Takeaways 

These 10 competitions for students catalyze personal and academic development, empowering young minds to reach their full potential. Whether it be in the fields of science, technology, arts, or humanities, these competitions provide a platform for students to shine and make a positive impact on the world. 

FAQs About Competitions For Students

What is an academic competition? 

An academic competition is a competitive event that tests and showcases students’ knowledge and skills in academic subjects. An academic competition helps students demonstrate their academic abilities and foster intellectual growth.

Examples: 

  • International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO)
  • Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
  • FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) 
  • International Physics Olympiad (IPhO)

What are intellectual competitions? 

Intellectual competitions are events that assess participants’ intellectual abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. They span diverse fields such as academics, debate, public speaking, writing, arts, and scientific research. These competitions aim to foster intellectual engagement, inspire innovative thinking, and provide a platform for individuals to showcase their intellectual prowess. 

Examples:  

  • National History Bee and Bowl
  • National Science Bowl
  • The International Science Olympiads

Where can I find competitions?

Here are a few popular platforms and websites where you can search for competitions:

  • International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS): Offers a series of international academic competitions and assessments in subjects like English, mathematics, science, and more. (website: https://www.icasassessments.com/)
  • Student Competitions: Provides a platform to explore a variety of global competitions for students, including academic, entrepreneurship, innovation, and design challenges. (website: https://studentcompetitions.com/)
  • Websites of Educational Organizations: Check the websites of educational organizations, universities, or research institutions in your country or region. They often host or promote academic and intellectual competitions for students.