Academic Events | Registration
The AIU’s 2026–27 Academic Events offer students a year of engaging, hands-on opportunities to explore their interests, challenge their thinking, and connect learning beyond the classroom. Designed for students from elementary through high school, events span science, mathematics, history, literacy, career exploration, technology, engineering, environmental studies, and more. From museum-based challenges and academic competitions to AI, renewable energy, app development, and creative problem-solving experiences, students can collaborate with peers, build new skills, and put their knowledge into action. Events are offered throughout the school year at the AIU, community partner locations, and virtually, providing a variety of ways for students to discover, compete, create, and grow.
Eco Challenge
Sept. 22, 23, 24 (Grades 2-12)
Students will jump into hands-on, eco-themed activities that blend science, creativity, and nature exploration. From practicing scientific observation, to creative writing and nature connection, there’s something for all curious minds!
Career Ready PA Discovery Day
Oct. 5 (Grades 6-8)
This hands-on experience gives middle school students the chance to connect with professionals from cutting-edge fields to engage in interactive workshops, ask questions and learn what it’s like to work in a variety of careers.
Thinking Outside the Locks
Oct. 22, 28, 29 (Grades 2-8)
In collaboration with Baldwin-Whitehall School District, join us for this fun, hands-on day of creative thinking, where student teams will work together to tackle unique challenges — from solving problems, to stretching imaginations.
Powering Pittsburgh
Oct. 27 (Grades 9-12)
Gather your team of up to four high school innovators and take on the challenge of reimagining how to power Acrisure Stadium, or Pittsburgh, using renewable energy with bold, creative solutions that could lead all the way to the Finals!
History Bowl
Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17 (Grades 4-8)
Step into the past and unlock the fun, where teams of four students will put their brains to the test as they journey through the exhibits, solve intriguing challenges, answer thought-provoking questions, and flex their creative thinking and writing skills. It’s a fast-paced day of teamwork, discovery, and history!
History Bowl Jr.
Nov. 18 (Grades 2-3)
New! A non-competitive Junior version of the popular History Bowl: Step into the past and unlock the fun, where teams of four students will put their brains to the test as they journey through the exhibits, solve intriguing challenges, answer thought-provoking questions, and flex their creative thinking and writing skills. It’s a fast-paced day of teamwork, discovery, and history!
CalcuSolve
Nov. 24 (Grades 9-12)
Dec. 1 (Grades 3-4)
This exciting VIRTUAL math competition challenges students to flex their brainpower both individually and as part of a team, racing against the clock to solve tricky math puzzles, and racking up points for every correct answer.
IAC: National Math, Science, History & Geography Regional Bee
Jan. 15-16 (Grades K-12)
Hosted by International Academic Competitions at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit: Students compete in their age group, buzzing in and answering questions in their choice of Math (NEW), Science, History, and/or Geography. The top three scores per grade earn medals, and the top 50% of each field qualify for IAC’s national championships!
Registration details will be shared at a later date.
AI for Impact Hackathon
Feb. 2 (Grades 6-12)
Harness AI to tackle a real-world issue, announced at the competition, to develop an innovative AI-driven solution: A working prototype of an interactive tool with the potential to make long lasting, global change. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will be announced in each grade division!
Science Bowl
Feb. 17, 18, 19, 22 (Grades 4-8)
Adventure awaits at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History! Teams of four will explore the exhibits as they take on a variety of challenges, completing creative and natural science-inspired tasks along the way, while combining teamwork, problem-solving, and exploration for an unforgettable day.
Youth Choice Awards
Feb. 26* (Grades 6-8)
Continuing the story of Children’s Choice Awards by celebrating youth voice and reading, middle schoolers are invited to “turn the page” at this next level literary celebration! Students read four shared novels in advance, then put their wits to work with team-based trivia, participate in Q&A with a keynote author, and discover the next chapter of new and exciting book-themed fun with peers! *Event date is tentative.
STEM Design Challenge
March 5 (Grades 4-8)
In teams of two to four, put your creativity and problem-solving skills to the test by tackling a real-world challenge using K’Nex, and/or Engino. The top team at each regional event will earn a spot at the state competition in May!
Children’s Choice Awards
March 16, 17, 18 (Grades 3-6)
The AIU and ACLA are teaming up to invite students to dive into eight nominated novels! Participants have until March to read, discuss, and vote on which book deserves the top prize—then attend our celebration for the big reveal of the winning title! With support from school and public librarians, students will learn from a keynote author and test their knowledge of each novel with Battle of the Books.
CalcuSolve Tournament
March 30, 31 (Grades 5-8)
This exciting IN-PERSON math tournament challenges students to flex their brainpower both individually and as part of a team, racing against the clock to solve tricky math puzzles, and racking up points for every correct answer.
Technovation PA
April 1 (Ages 8-18)
Technovation empowers the next generation of changemakers to code and build apps that tackle real-world problems. With free resources , projects are submitted both regionally and globally for a chance at recognition and prizes!
Wild Investigations
April 7, 8, 9 (Grades 3-6)
Enjoy a thrilling adventure packed with up-close encounters with live animals, while exploring the wonders of wildlife and putting your problem solving skills to the test. It’s science exploration meets animal fun!