Day two of Thermo Fisher JIC challenges returns to the KID Museum
There wasn’t a challenge these finalists couldn’t take on at the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC)!
Early Monday morning, Oct. 27, after completing their first day of challenges from JASON Learning and STEAM FORWARD! Academy, finalists made their way to the KID Museum in Bethesda, Md. This nonprofit welcomed us and put students directly into what they do best: hands-on STEM learning.
When finalists entered the building, they were greeted by the Society’s STEM education team, KID Museum educators and a large area filled with supplies and tools. Tall wooden building blocks, bowling balls, umbrellas and more decorated the tables where the finalists stood.
They had to channel their inner Rube Goldberg (the American cartoonist and inventor known for designing elaborate, humorous chain-reaction machines) and create a chain reaction using the materials provided, working not only within their teams but as a collaborative group.
The chain reaction was designed to start on one end of the finalists’ tables and move through five other teams to the finale in a “U” shape.
You could see the wheels turning as the finalists scanned instructions, taking in the parameters. A successful chain reaction to set off a gong was to be completed in just one hour.
The finalists got an encouraging pep talk before diving into their collaborative challenges. As the finalists prepared to begin, they were reminded: “You’re all here because you understand science. So, work together.”
They did just that. Teams spent about two to three minutes planning. While there was no limit on materials, time and space were the main constraints.
In the room, finalists murmured ideas to one another and began connecting pieces. Systems were being tested constantly. The theme of the hour seemed to be billiard balls hitting the floor—entirely understandable and needed in the world of STEM, where trial and error is a part of the process.
KID Museum educators walked among the tables, answering questions and offering guidance. Ideas were constantly being adjusted, guided by input from team members and students from other teams who offered feedback.
The hour quickly passed, and finalists set up their contraptions for the final test. It was time to see if their individual puzzle pieces fit together for the overall picture.
KID Museum educator Kathleen Chung congratulated the students, telling them that no matter the outcome, they should be proud of what they accomplished in just an hour.
She also reminded them they had a special tool if their contraption didn’t work: the finger push.
And so, it began. The large Rube Goldberg contraption began its journey from one end to the other. With the push of a few hands, the final ball set off the reaction, ending the challenge with a bang!
Finalists roared with cheers and applause; even though the process wasn’t perfect, they persevered and had fun along the way.
KID Museum educator allowed finalists to debrief, sharing shoutouts to team members on displayed sticky notes.
Common themes emerged in the: “Patience is key when it doesn’t work out the first time” or giving recognition to team members who stuck with it through repeated failures.
Overall, the top 30 2025 Thermo Fisher JIC finalists left smiling and celebrating both the challenge and teamwork, a perfect boost of energy for their second challenge of the day with the Smithsonian Education Research Center!
