CodePi STEM Challenge

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Inspiration

What it does

We were inspired by the idea of making STEM—especially math—more accessible, engaging, and fun for middle school students. Many students find STEM subjects challenging or boring, so we wanted to create a space where young minds could explore and learn through interactive, creative projects.

The CodePi Innovation Challenge was born out of a desire to empower students to blend coding with education, whether through games, apps, or design prototypes. We also wanted to make the event beginner-friendly, which is why we added the Ideathon division alongside the traditional Hackathon.

How we built it

The hackathon was structured around two divisions:

Ideathon Division: For beginners and visual thinkers using low-code/no-code tools like Figma, Canva, and Scratch to submit mockups and prototypes.

Hackathon Division: For developers using Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and tools like React, Flask, or Scratch to create real, functional applications.

Challenges we ran into

Designing a fair judging system for two different submission styles (code vs. design)

Onboarding participants of varying skill levels

Coordinating across time zones and ensuring constant support

Creating submission systems and templates to make the process smooth for everyone

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Attracted participants with diverse skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced coders

Created a welcoming space for creative exploration in STEM

Successfully combined education and technology in a fun, hands-on way

Launched a fully remote, student-led hackathon with a structured and inclusive format

What we learned

How to build scalable, beginner-friendly STEM challenges

The power of good documentation and communication

That coding and design can come together to make learning exciting

That students are incredibly creative when given the freedom to explore

What's next for CodePi STEM Challenge

Expand outreach to more schools and international participants

Partner with more sponsors to increase prizes and support

Add live workshops and webinars during the hackathon

Build a permanent community platform for ongoing STEM and coding projects

Launch a yearly version with themes like AI in Education, Environmental STEM, or Math for Gamers

Built With

• and-scratch-to-submit-mockups-and-prototypes.-hackathon-division:-for-developers-using-python
• and-tools-like-react
• canva
• flask
• functional
• html/css
• javascript
• or-scratch-to-create-real
• the-hackathon-was-structured-around-two-divisions:-ideathon-division:-for-beginners-and-visual-thinkers-using-low-code/no-code-tools-like-figma