Once a term, the challenge will be introduced to participating (registered) schools. If you want to register, click here. There is no obligation to take part in all of the challenges if you register.

Once announced, the timer begins to tick... teams are set tasks, some closed, some open-ended and some requiring lots of creative thought. The STEM Challenges are being designed to cater for a range of abilities in the 11-14 age range. There will be a mixture of hands-on testing, experimental work and research associated with each challenge.

The judges

Teams will be judged by STEM Ambassadors who will meet the team face to face on the judging day.

Entries will be judged against the core Olympic and Paralympic Values, along with teams' abilities to communicate their findings and their understanding of the work that they have done.

Prizes

There are some pretty impressive prizes up for grabs for each STEM Challenge. Think of 'experience' prizes, behind the scenes tours, equipment for your school or a day with a VIP and you are only scratching the surface of what is on offer to the winning teams.

These are not ordinary prizes as it's not often that we get to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in our country. It's a chance to celebrate and be inspired!

If a team impresses the judges, then they will be shortlisted as a potential national finalist. A panel of judges will then meet to select the national finalists.

Think you can rise to the STEM Challenges?

Do you have one or more teams up for the challenge at your school? If so, register now (or ask your teacher to register) for all the latest information and access to the full challenge information, once each one is launched.

The challenges will each run for approximately six to eight weeks all the way up to July 2012. They have been designed so that you can carry them out in a club environment (e.g. a STEM Club) or even during lessons.