STEM Quiz
Competition
Handbook
A five-round academic competition designed to strengthen STEM learning through progressive, competitive engagement — from rapid recall to integrated problem-solving.
About the Competition
The National STEM Quiz for Private Senior High Schools in Ghana is a structured academic competition designed to strengthen learning in Mathematics and Science through competitive engagement. It adopts a five-round format that progresses from advanced conceptual recall to interdisciplinary problem-solving, incorporating scenario-based questions, case studies, digital assessments, and design challenges.
The competition is curriculum-aligned, covering a broad range of topics while reinforcing core concepts and addressing areas that require deeper understanding. It assesses key competencies such as precision, analytical reasoning, application of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration — moving beyond memorisation to real-world application.
All rounds are conducted under standardised conditions to ensure fairness, consistency, and equal levels of difficulty across participating teams.
What the Competition Seeks to Achieve
Promote deep conceptual understanding in STEM subjects
Develop problem-solving and analytical skills
Encourage innovation and creativity among learners
Enhance teamwork and collaboration
Prepare learners for digital and real-world STEM challenges
Five Progressive Rounds
The competition consists of five structured rounds designed to progressively assess learners' competencies from recall to advanced problem-solving.
Question Types
- Concept identification from brief applied situations
- Principle recognition based on observed effects or outcomes
- Single-step decision questions requiring interpretation of relationships
- Classification or naming based on functional or behavioural descriptions
- Rapid application of laws, properties, or processes to determine a single correct outcome
Question Types
- Diagram interpretation — identification of components or structures
- Video-based observation — identification of processes or changes
- Concept identification based on features observed in images or short clips
- Direct application questions derived from labelled or implied elements in visuals
- Short-response items requiring one precise answer (no explanation required)
Question Types
- Data interpretation from tables or datasets
- Graph analysis — values, trends, or relationships
- Numeric-entry questions based on calculations
- Multiple-choice based on digital or contextual information
- Short-answer requiring one precise response
- Quick problem-solving involving formulas and real-life contexts
Question Types
- Design tasks requiring development of a solution to a given problem
- Experimental tasks involving testing, observation, and refinement
- Construction or prototyping tasks using available materials
- Conceptual design tasks (sketches, labelled diagrams, system plans)
- Problem-solving tasks based on community or environmental challenges
- Short presentation explaining design, experimental process, and outcomes
Thinking Framework
Analysis → Application → Technological Integration → Solution → Justification
Competition Officials
Round Durations
| Round | Name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | STEM Sprint | 15 – 20 min |
| Round 2 | Think & Explain | 15 – 20 min |
| Round 3 | STEM in Context | 15 – 20 min |
| Round 4 | Design & Innovate | 15 – 20 min |
| Round 5 | Grand Challenge | 15 – 25 min |
Logistics, Fairness & Implementation
Competition Logistics
- Venue with proper seating and visibility
- Projector and sound system
- Devices for digital round
- Reliable internet connectivity
Materials & Resources
- Score sheets and writing materials
- Case study documents
- Digital devices
- Design kits for Round 4
- Problem briefs for Round 5
Scoring & Assessment
- Objective responses: accuracy-based
- Subjective rounds: rubric-based evaluation
- Scores updated after each round
Risk Management
- Internet failure → offline backup
- Power outage → backup supply
- Disputes → judges' decision is final
- Materials → equal distribution
Fairness & Integrity
- Equal number of questions per team
- Uniform difficulty across teams
- Strict timing enforced
- No external assistance permitted
Implementation Guidelines
- Pre-event briefing for all parties
- Technical dry run before competition
- Clear communication of rules
- Smooth transitions between rounds
What Participants Gain
Improved STEM competencies
Enhanced critical thinking
Increased digital literacy
Identification of top-performing learners
Commitment to Quality STEM Education
This STEM Quiz Competition provides a comprehensive platform for assessing learners from foundational knowledge to advanced interdisciplinary problem-solving, aligning with GES's commitment to quality STEM education.