Finding F.R.E.D.: A Chain-Reaction Mystery Competition

Back by popular demand for a second year — an adventure at the intersection of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) with our event: Finding F.R.E.D.: A Chain-Reaction Mystery! This team-based STEAM competition challenges teams to help unravel the disappearance of the Friendly Robotic Engineering Droid (F.R.E.D.) by crafting stories and building chain-reaction machines. Teams of up to 6 people will each receive a custom-designed chain-reaction materials kit (valued at $200 and yours to keep) and over 4 hours to design, build, and test a chain-reaction machine that unfolds the mystery surrounding F.R.E.D.’s vanishing act. Guided by the expert mentorship of engineers from ASU’s STEAM Labs and storytellers from South Mountain Community College, your journey will be fueled by lunch and snacks throughout a day of surprises! The grand finale awaits with an awards ceremony where top teams will have a chance to claim over $3000 in prizes for first, second, and third places, plus special awards for the most memorable, creative, or ingenious entries. The best part? This adventure is for all ages! So whether you’re a seasoned engineer, a budding storyteller, have a team, or don’t have a team but want to meet people at the event and form one – please join us for this day of unparalleled fun!

All ages welcome — including families, school groups, robotics teams, and college students.