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 work on skills involving engineering, simple machines, trial and error, project planning, physics, teamwork, and creativity. Our competition will enable students to showcase their talents to their peers and our judges to earn awards. This year’s theme is “Feed Your Pet,” students must create a contraption that ends with feeding their pet in 8 or more steps. (No live animals, please). If you have any questions, feel free to contact Theresa Wolf at twolf@stemforward.org.

Program Handbook

Student Media Waiver

View the preliminary Program here
View Educator Update Email here
Download WCTC Student Release form here.
View Preliminary Program here.
View Educator Update Email here.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Volunteer registration is now available for Contrapt Wisconsin judging. Please register today to join us in spring for Contrapt Wisconsin on May 2 (MSOE in Milwaukee) or May 9 (WCTC in Waukesha). Join a cluster of judges to view students’ creativity and ingenuity with these complex machines.

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!

Action Contraption Resource

Action Contraption Video