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STEM Challenges at MESA Day

Enrolled students in the USC MESA program at partner middle and high schools work on exciting and authentic team-based projects. These projects cultiminate in the annual MESA Day competitions hosted at the local, regional, and state levels. MESA students will:

  • Apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to academic contests, and over time, develop their mastery of these academic skills.
  • Build self-esteem and confidence through preparation, participation, and access to relevant real-world STEM challenges.
  • Be part of the maker and creator movement that encourages problem-solving in a framework fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

Panda Express MESA Day @ USC

Since 2001, Panda Express has sponsored this local competition with over 800 MESA students, advisors, teachers, parents, administrators, USC student volunteers, USC professors and staff, and Panda Cares volunteers in attendance each year.

 

Logistics at USC MESA Student Weebly

Some of the competitions for 2023-2024 are grade-specific, as listed below. For teams, a 9th grade student cannot be on the same team as a 12th grade student. If this occurs, the team will compete in the higher grade level (i.e., 11/12). This also applies to middle school teams for grade-specific competitions. At Pre MESA Day @ USC 2023, competitions will include:

6, 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12 Divisions

  • Cargo Glider (in-person) - team of 2 to 3 students
  • Crime Scene Science Pilot (in-person) - team of 2 to 3 students
  • MESA Machine (in-person) - team of 2 to 3 students
  • Moon Base (in-person) - team of 2 to 3 students
  • Think Tank (in-person) - team of 2 to 3 students

    6-8 and 9-12 Divisions (i.e., mixed 6-8 grades / mixed 9-12 grades)

    • Math Escape Challenge ONLINE - team of 2 to 3 students
    • MESA Designing for Equity / NEDC (in-person) - team of 2 to 4 students

    Novice and Experienced Divisions

    • Coding Solutions ONLINE - team of 1 to 2 students
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    Project Rules
    USC MESA Student Weebly Webpage
    The following e-learning modules provide participating MESA students an overview, rules clarification, and important mathematical and science concepts to consider for the specified project. MESA students can review the modules on their own, at their own pace, and on any device with Internet, video, and audio capability.
    MESA Machine

    Published on February 4th, 2019

    Last updated on January 12th, 2024