How the competition works
A STEM competition for teams of up to six students in grades 3–8. Research the challenges of living in space, design a colony, and build a 3D model from recycled materials — then submit a video and presentation for feedback from real STEM professionals and a chance to win.
Competition Handbook
The full guide for teachers — every step, the scoring rubric, and how the whole process works on the competition portal.
Who can enter
The Space Colony Competition is a STEM competition for teams of up to 6 students in Grades 3–8. Teams enter through their school; a teacher or club leader registers and represents the team.
- Elementary DivisionGrades 3–5
- Middle DivisionGrades 6–8
What each team submits
Every team uploads its work to a private team folder. Required items are marked with a red asterisk.
Project Report*
Your team's written report, including the team name and team number.
PDF, doc, or image · up to 25 MB
Colony Layout Drawing*
A detailed drawing or graphic showing all zones and the overall layout of the colony.
Image or PDF · up to 25 MB
Team Video*
A short, student-produced video presenting the colony and the 3D model.
Video · up to 2 GB
Team Picture(optional)
An optional photo of your team.
Image · up to 25 MB
Recording on a phone? That's expected. Film in 1080p rather than 4K and keep the video a few minutes long — it stays well under the 2 GB limit and uploads far faster on classroom Wi-Fi.
How projects are scored
Each project is reviewed by volunteer STEM professionals on a 100-point rubric across three parts. Every team receives written feedback and a short feedback video from its judges.
Part 1 — Engineering & Mental Health Zones
50 ptsTen criteria (1–5 each): how well the design solves for power, food, water, oxygen, communication, and the crew's mental health and well-being.
Part 2 — Location, Layout & Model
40 ptsSite choice, zone layout, and the physical 3D model built from recycled materials.
Part 3 — Team Spirit
10 ptsCreativity, teamwork, and the energy the team brings to their presentation.
Top teams earn a Cosmic, Galactic, or Solar award based on how they place in their division, plus special awards for standout work.
Photos & video (media release)
Student projects may include images, video, and audio. Judges see them only to evaluate entries. With family permission, the Cosmic Leap Foundation may also feature student work publicly (website, newsletters, social media). Choosing not to allow public use does not affect a team's participation or scoring.
Ready to enter?
Reserve your teams now and get invoiced later — nothing is due up front.
Questions? team@cosmic-leap.org