Two teams comprising Octorara Area School District (OASD) students won first place at a regional STEM Design Challenge and have punched tickets to the state competition in Harrisburg.

The regional competition, held in March by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), brought fourth- through eighth-grade students together from the local area to compete in elementary and middle school divisions, both of which were won by Octorara.

Ryan Mitman, Merritt Zavacki, Gavin Bowen and Haydin Yoon - Team Citrax - won the middle school division while Nathan Campos, Eli King and Seamus Ralston - Team E-Bricks - claimed victory in the elementary division.

Working in teams of three to four, the students were presented with the prompt to build a sustainable production machine in accordance with United Nations regulations.

More specifically, the students had to design a section of factory that uses sustainable practices and then showcase how their functioning machine works, highlighting how it supports environmentally responsible production. Students began preparing for this task in January.

"The challenge encompasses all areas of STEM, requiring students to work together as well as exercise their writing and oral presentation skills," said Christine Gray, a gifted support teacher within the district. "The students at Octorara have enjoyed participating in the competition and appreciate the CCIU's commitment to continuing to provide this opportunity for students in Chester County each year."

The students were tasked with constructing a machine prototype that clearly demonstrated sustainability principles by minimizing waste; maximizing efficiency; and simulating the use of recycled, reused or otherwise sustainable parts.

Both teams, as first-place finishers, advance to the state competition on Friday, May 8, at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Octorara students will compete against first-place teams from regional competitions across the commonwealth.

Two Octorara teams also placed second in their respective divisions: Claire Sours, Avery Remphrey, Ryan Jurich and Lukas Metzler - Team EGO - in the middle school division and Goldie Brendle, Ana Kozacheson and Miles Repsher - Team Citric - in the elementary division.

A pair of OASD teams also earned honorable mentions: Ella Decosta, Natalie Martin and Maci Marshman - Team Sun Fount - in the middle school division and Elizabeth Haws, Cooper Kowlachik and Erin Miller - Team Cornadoes - in the elementary division.

"Opportunities like the STEM Design Challenge are critical in helping students apply their learning in meaningful ways," said OASD superintendent Shawn Dutkiewicz. "By investing in STEM education, we are equipping our students with the skills to think critically, solve complex problems, and express their creativity. It is inspiring to see our students represent the district with such innovation and pride."

At both the state and regional competitions, students have two hours to recreate their product for judging. All products must fit on a 6-foot table, and students must submit design notebooks and blueprints for viewing.

The STEM Design Challenge began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit. Since then, it has grown to be a statewide event that over 5,000 students participate in annually.