Join us for Contrapt Milwaukee 2026 Competition!
We look forward to welcoming 39 teams from 12 local middle schools to the 2026 Contrapt Milwaukee Competition at MSOE. The competition is open to the public, so please stop by!
Contrapt Milwaukee
MSOE Kern Center
May 8, 2026 - 9 AM to 2 PM
Thank you to all who joined us at Contrapt Waukesha on April 24, 2026, at WCTC!
contrapt waukesha competition information:
Congratulations to the Contrapt Waukesha Top Placing Teams!
Middle School Registered Educators:
Please ask your students to complete the media waiver and read the most recent educator update for additional competition details. If you have questions, 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.
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.
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 pictures of students & their contraptions!
