Join us for Contrapt Wisconsin 2026 Competition!
We look forward to welcoming 22 middle schools across two dates for the 2026 Contrapt Wisconsin competitions. These events are open to the public! Please check out our website closer to the events for information on our competitions.
Contrapt Waukesha at WCTC on April 24, 2026
Contrapt Milwaukee at MSOE on May 8, 2026
Middle School Registered Educators:
The 2025–26 handbook and the preliminary program are now available for you to review! Please ask your students to complete the media waiver and read the most recent educator update for additional competition details. If you have questions as you work towards the finish line on your models, please connect with Theresa Wolf, STEM Forward Program Manager, at twolf@stemforward.org.
Be A Volunteer Judge
Register today to volunteer as a judge at Contrapt Wisconsin. Work alongside a team of judges to experience students’ creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills as they showcase their complex machine designs. Your support helps make this inspiring learning experience possible for students. Pick one date or volunteer for both:
April 24, 2026: Contrapt Waukesha
WCTC – AJN (S Building) in Waukesha
May 8, 2026: Contrapt Milwaukee
MSOE Kern Center in Milwaukee
What is Contrapt Wisconsin?
Contrapt Wisconsin is STEM Forward’s engaging middle school contraption competition. A contraption accomplishes a simple task in the most complicated, fun way possible. Building one can be challenging, but it allows students to develop skills in engineering, simple machines, trial-and-error, project planning, physics, teamwork, and creativity. Our competition enables students to showcase their talents to their peers and our judges, and gives them the chance to earn awards. If you have any questions, please contact Theresa Wolf at twolf@stemforward.org.
What did Past Participants Have to Say?
Students shared that participating in Future City and Contrapt Wisconsin created memorable and rewarding experiences while helping them grow academically and personally. Through these programs, students strengthened communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills, while also building confidence—especially in public speaking and presenting.
Many students said the competitions sparked a deeper interest in STEM and engineering careers, helped them understand the engineering design process, and opened their eyes to real-world challenges such as environmental sustainability and climate change. The experience also encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, while allowing students to form new friendships.
Overall, the programs made STEM fun, engaging, and meaningful, inspiring students to explore future careers and realize their potential to solve real-world problems.
2025 Contrapt Wisconsin Recap
STEM Forward’s 2025 Contrapt Wisconsin competition celebrated another record-breaking year, with the playful theme “Feed Your Pet,” engaging 785 students in creativity, teamwork, and hands-on STEM learning. Contrapt Milwaukee at MSOE welcomed 28 teams and 125 students, while Contrapt Waukesha at WCTC hosted 45 teams and 183 students. A special edition at Golda Meir, sponsored by Eaton, brought 11 additional teams into the mix. Thanks to our judges, volunteers, sponsors, and educators, students across the region engineered imaginative chain-reaction machines that showcased problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation.
Contrapt Milwaukee – May 2, 2025
Contrapt Waukesha – May 9, 2025
Looking for inspiration to introduce the Contrapt Competition in the classroom? Check out the "Action Contraption" activity in Discover Engineering's resource library—it's a great way to get kids excited and engaged!
Check out the 2025 pictures of students & their contraptions!
