Summer is full of moments that make us stop, look again and ask questions.
Why do bubbles form that shape? What creates the colours in a sunset? How does a spider web stay so strong? Why does sand feel cooler beneath the surface?
This summer, we are inviting STEM Community members to capture one of those moments and turn it into a question.
How to enter
Take a photograph of something that sparks your STEM curiosity and share it with the Community alongside one question inspired by what you have seen.
Your photograph could feature:
- an interesting pattern in nature
- movement, forces or changing materials
- a surprising structure or shape
- light, shadows or reflections
- an everyday object with hidden STEM
- something small that is easy to overlook
You don't need specialist photography equipment. A phone camera is all you need. We are looking for curiosity, creativity and a great STEM question, rather than the most technically perfect photograph. Enter here: https://community.stem.org.uk/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?MessageKey=38a1ba10-ea7d-4e81-a453-1855203726c1&CommunityKey=efa20286-1785-472d-87f6-6ff52714b61c#bm38a1ba10-ea7d-4e81-a453-1855203726c1
What should I include?
Your entry should include:
- one original photograph taken by you
- one STEM question inspired by the image
- a short caption explaining where the photograph was taken or what caught your attention
For example:
Why do water droplets stay rounded on some leaves but spread out on others?
You are welcome to share your own thoughts, but you don't need to provide the answer. Other Community members will be encouraged to join the discussion and explore the questions together.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to all STEM Community members. You could enter as an individual, share an image from a classroom activity, or encourage colleagues and learners to explore the STEM around them during the summer.
Please make sure you have permission from anyone shown in your photograph and avoid identifiable images of children and young people.
How will entries be judged?
Entries will be judged on:
- the originality of the photograph
- the quality of the STEM question
- creativity and curiosity
- the potential to inspire discussion
Selected entries will be featured in a summer gallery within the STEM Community, with prizes awarded to our favourite submissions.
Share your summer curiosity
Whether you are travelling, spending time outdoors, working in the classroom or simply noticing something unusual at home, STEM questions can be found everywhere.
Take a closer look, capture the moment and tell us:
What makes you wonder?
This competition will run all through the summer holidays, and will close on the 18th September 2026. Prizes for the winners:
1st place - 2 Nights for 2 in York! (One double or two single rooms)
2nd place - STEM Community swag hamper
3rd place - STEM Community notepad
Honourable mentions will also receive a notepad :-D
Don't forget to keep popping back and 'liking' your favourite images, those with the most votes will be put before our judging panel!
Terms and conditions
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The competition closes at 5:00pm on Friday 18th September 2026.
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Entries must be submitted before the closing time.
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Entrants should submit their own original image.
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Community voting will be used to help identify the most popular and useful entries.
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The final decision on winners will rest with the STEM Community team.
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Prize fulfilment details will be shared directly with the winner.
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By entering, participants agree that their entry may be featured by STEM Community for promotional purposes in connection with the competition.
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STEM Community reserves the right to amend or withdraw the competition if necessary.
Enter here: https://community.stem.org.uk/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?MessageKey=38a1ba10-ea7d-4e81-a453-1855203726c1&CommunityKey=efa20286-1785-472d-87f6-6ff52714b61c#bm38a1ba10-ea7d-4e81-a453-1855203726c1