Aims B.E.S.T. Competition Ignites Innovation and Teamwork

Aims Community College Industrial Technology and Energy Studies hosted B.E.S.T. from June 9 through 12. The program invites students to have fun while exploring robotics, industrial technology, math, and science. “Everyone has a great time exploring technology at Aims,” Sordi said. “I'm passionate about young people interested in STEM and the potential career opportunities,” he said.

This program tasks students with six STEM-based challenges. Students are grouped into teams and asked to complete assignments during each event. 

2025 Challenges 

• Bridge Building
• Shark Tank
• Earth to Egg
• Windmill Optimization
• Planes, Trebuchets and Automobiles
• Robotic Build and Program

Each team worked to gather the most points and be crowned the B.E.S.T. champion on the final day of the camp. 

Bridge Building

Participants worked in teams to design and construct a bridge using lightweight materials such as pipe cleaners, duct tape, toothpicks, straws and marshmallows. The challenge introduces engineering concepts like statics, dynamics and material strength. Students aimed to design a structure that spans at least two feet and supports five pounds for 30 seconds. The bridge’s net weight capacity determined the winner. Points were awarded to recognize efficiency and strength.

Shark Tank

This activity sparks creativity and innovation as teams address problems and develop an engineering-based product or solution. The teams worked collaboratively to design and present their concept to a panel in a format inspired by the TV show Shark Tank. Points were awarded for presenting an idea and for the team selected as the best by the judges. This emphasizes the importance of creativity and articulating your ideas when developing new products. 

Earth to Egg

Students used physics principles and problem-solving to design a mechanism to safely transport a raw egg from the third floor to the ground without cracking. Teams aim for protection and minimal use of materials like balloons, foam and cardboard. The winner was the team whose egg survives the drop while using the least material by weight.

Windmill Operations

This activity blends historical and modern applications of wind energy. Teams build two windmills from a standard kit and another MacGyver-style, aiming to generate the most voltage and lift the most weight within 30 seconds. The event teaches the fundamentals of renewable energy, optimization and teamwork.

Planes, Trebuchets, and Automobiles

The event demonstrated how physics, aerodynamics and material science intersect in engineering design. 

In this multidisciplinary challenge, teams construct and compete with three projects: 

• Create a paper airplane for distance and accuracy
• Assemble a car kit optimized for a targeted spot
• Build a trebuchet designed to launch a foam ball into a cup

Robotic Build and Program

This robotics challenge introduced students to robotic design and programming using Makerbot Rangers, HiWonder robots, and Wlkata desktop arms. Teams completed coordinated tasks, such as transporting blocks across multiple stations. 

Success depended on completing the most tasks the fastest. This competition emphasized precision, teamwork and programming skills.

Join Us Next Year

Space is limited. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis for students entering grades nine through 12. 

There is no cost for students to attend. For more information and to register, please visit aims.co/BEST. Registration for the 2026 program begins in February.