Invention Challenge Brings Student Engineers to NASA JPL
On December 5, 2025, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) hosted the 26th annual Invention Challenge, a spirited competition that brings together middle and high school students to showcase their engineering skills. This year’s challenge, known as the “Bucket Brigade Contest,” required teams to design and construct devices capable of moving approximately 2 gallons (8 liters) of water from a reservoir to a bucket situated 16 feet (5 meters) away, all within a tight timeframe of 60 seconds. Participants utilized a variety of materials, including plywood, PVC pipes, duct tape, and even repurposed soda cans, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in their engineering designs.
Eighteen teams from schools across Los Angeles and Orange counties participated, with Arcadia High School’s Team Still Water clinching first place by completing the task in an impressive 6.45 seconds. Following closely was Mission Viejo High’s Team Senior Citizens, finishing in 6.71 seconds, while the Samo Seals from Santa Monica High took third place with a time of 9.18 seconds. The competition also welcomed five teams from outside the region, including a group of professional engineers led by retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault, who won first place for the second consecutive year with their team, “Trial and Error Engineering.” Additionally, special awards were given to teams for various achievements, highlighting the artistic, unusual, and creative aspects of their projects.
The Invention Challenge not only fosters innovation and teamwork among young engineers but also emphasizes the importance of STEM education. With the support of volunteers from JPL, including guest judge and JPL Fire Chief Dave Dollarhide, the event inspires students to engage in hands-on problem-solving and apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. As the challenge continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the ingenuity and potential of the next generation of engineers and scientists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3EKckcEAa0
Student teams competed in the 2025 Invention Challenge at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Dec. 5. The event pits middle and high school teams against each other as they try to get handmade devices to accomplish a task.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
The 2025 Invention Challenge at JPL called on teams to build devices capable of moving about 2 gallons (8 liters) of water from a holding reservoir into a bucket about 16 feet (5 meters) away within 60 seconds.
Teams at JPL’s 2025 Invention Challenge built their devices with plywood, PVC pipe, duct tape, and even soda cans.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Now in its 26th year, the event brings teams of middle and high school students to the lab to compete with home-built contraptions.
Teenagers wielding power tools and plywood demonstrated their engineering prowess at the annual Invention Challenge at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California on Friday. Also in evidence: lots of small motors, 3D-printed gears, PVC pipe, and duct tape.
First held at JPL in 1998, the event pits middle and high school teams against each other as they try to get handmade devices to accomplish a task that changes annually. For this year’s challenge, dubbed the “Bucket Brigade Contest,” teams needed to create devices capable of moving about 2 gallons (8 liters) of water from a holding reservoir into a bucket about 16 feet (5 meters) away in 60 seconds while satisfying a long list of
rules
.
Arcadia High School’s Team Still Water won first place among student teams in the 2025 Invention Challenge at JPL.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
In all, 18 teams of students from middle and high schools across Los Angeles and Orange counties competed. First place went to Arcadia High School’s Team Still Water, which completed the task in just 6.45 seconds. Mission Viejo High’s Team Senior Citizens was close behind, finishing in 6.71 seconds. The Samo Seals of Santa Monica High came in third, at 9.18 seconds.
Five teams from outside the area — four from schools in Colorado and Massachusetts and one involving professional engineers — were invited to compete as well. Of those, the team led by retired JPL engineer Alan DeVault’s Team “Trial and Error Engineering” came in first (a repeat from last year). And “Team 6” from Pioneer Charter School of Science in the Boston area took second place (also a repeat performance from 2024). No team qualified for third place.
Some of the devices in the 2025 Invention Challenge at NASA JPL made a big splash.
NASA/JPL-Caltech
Judges named Team Clankers from Mission Viejo High most artistic, Team 6 from Pioneer Charter School of Science most unusual, and Team Winning Engineering Team (WET) from Temple City High most creative.
The event was supported by dozens of volunteers from JPL staff. JPL Fire Chief Dave Dollarhide, familiar with a bucket brigade, was a guest judge.
News Media Contact
Melissa Pamer
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
626-314-4928
melissa.pamer@jpl.nasa.gov
2025-135
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Last Updated
Dec 05, 2025
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