ITEEA's Elementary and Secondary STEM Councils Proudly Unveil Grand Design Challenge Winners!

This year's Challenge had elementary and secondary students devising a way for cyclists to drive more safely in darker surroundings.

Congratulations go to Chana, Esty, Batsheva, Chaya Mushka, Goldy, and Nechama,for their outstanding achievement as winners of the annual Elementary STEM GDC.


Each team first had to test materials to see what reflected under a box only using a flashlight. Together with their group they sketched what they wanted to use and where and how placement would be. Then they conducted their initial build and tested their results. Next, they journaled what needed to be changed and why. Finally, they prepared their final product after retesting for a video presentation. 


A special thank you to Eleanore Jones, teacher at from Cheder Menachem School for guiding and inspiring these young innovators. 


One judge shared, "This elementary entry stood out for its thoughtful use of found, reflective materials to dramatically increase bicycle visibility. The design is highly effective, low-cost, and easy to modify, making it accessible and realistic for widespread use. We were especially impressed by how the team leveraged simple materials in powerful ways, demonstrating that strong engineering does not require expensive components. The solution reflects creativity, resourcefulness, and a clear understanding of safety and visibility. This work exemplifies how young engineers can design practical solutions with real-world impact."

Congratulations to Aarush, J, and Mohanad from Normal Community High School (IL). Under the guidance of their instructor, Mr. Don Whitman, this talented trio took home the Secondary STEM Council's Grand Design Challenge (GDC) Award with their innovative solution to a tricky problem.


This year’s challenge, Night Riders: Engineering Visibility for Safety, asked students to work as an engineering design team to design, build, and test a cycling accessory or system that enhances the visibility of cyclists or bikes at night.


Aarush shared, "Through the bike safety challenge, I gained a deeper understanding of the engineering design process and learned how to properly plan, prototype, and refine a product from idea to final solution."


Mohanad added, "Thanks to Mr. Whitman and the STEM group for providing a chance at allowing this project, and I hope to face many more."


View the team's winning submission video.

The winning elementary and secondary teams will receive a free one-year Group Membership for their school, an invitation to be part of ITEEA’s 2026 STEM Showcase, and one free hotel night at ITEEA's 2026 Virginia Beach Conference.


In 2008, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering (NAE) identified 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21st Century. The Grand Challenges were designed to cause students and educators to think about solutions to the big challenges affecting us all. ITEEA’s Elementary STEM and Secondary STEM Councils are again sponsoring the Grand Design Challenge (GDC) to provide students with a chance to solve a real problem and show the world that everyone can help find solutions to these global challenges.

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