STEM CHALLENGE | Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE:

The GAE STEM Challenge is a special project brought to you by the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture and Georgia Farm Bureau's Ag-in-the-Classroom.

The challenge was developed to expose elementary teachers and students to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) involved in agricultural production of food and fiber. It aims to help students recognize their role in agriculture by involving them in real-world agriculture problems that they can help solve in their own classroom! Participating classes can register as:

3rd grade class
4th grade class
5th grade class
Special education class
Homeschool or community group

WHEN: Annually, every Fall. The 2026 STEM Challenge registration opens on July 29, 2026!

WHERE: Your Classroom!

Fall '26 GAE STEM Challenge:

Farmers Market Madness

Registration Opens on July 29, 2026 and closes on September 11, 2026.

Driving Question: How can we design, build, market, and operate a successful agriculture based market stand or school farmers market that meets customer needs while earning a profit?

This challenge invites 3rd–5th grade students to explore how to design and operate an agriculture-based market stand or school farmers market. All while aligning with Georgia Ag Ed and Georgia Standards of Excellence.

Preview Digital Toolkit

HOW DOES THE CHALLENGE WORK?

RegistratioN
Period

The registration period for the Fall '26 challenge is open from July 29, 2026 - September 11, 2026.

Lesson
Plan

Each school receives a digital tool kit of resources and a tailored educational program for their students.

Completion Time

The challenge offers flexible completion time, over a 10 week period, with the submissions period ongoing. Submissions are due by 5 PM on November 11, 2026. Winners will be announced via email on November 30, 2026.

Challenge Parameters

Participants will create a video (5 minutes or less) documenting their project, including everything learned throughout the process. The video should address the driving question, showcase creative solutions, and highlight the project’s connection to agriculture and STEM.

Submitting Your Presentation

Submit your project by creating a short video showcasing your solution, the agricultural problem it addresses, and how materials were used. The digital tool kit includes the rubric and detailed submission instructions to guide you through the process.

Top WINNER for each category!

A top winner will be selected for each of our five categories. Winners will receive a $250 cash prize for their classroom and up to $100 in physical prizes of their choice!