National Science League
An all-ages STEM challenge for the U.S. K12 science teaching system
Attracting over 30 thousand students from 400+ American schools participating annually with 40+ years of histor
10 difficulty levels for students from grade 1-12/ year 2-13
Bronze Award or higher winners in grade 4-9 / year 5-10 will be invited to participate in the All Star Science Carnival held in Shanghai in May 2026
Date: Apr. 3, 2026 (Fri.) 40 mins
Introduction
National Science League
NSL was founded in 1980 by Joseph Quartaro and Henry Hull, two math coaches with more than 30 years of teaching experience. They launched this challenge in conjunction with the U.S. national policy on science education, based on the experience of CML, and with a number of science teachers with extensive teaching experience. This challenge is aligned with the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standard) system, offering a platform for students to challenge themselves. NSL aims to enhance students’ interests in further exploration of science through lively questions. Additionally, students in grades 4–9 who achieve a Bronze Award or higher will be invited to participate in the large-scale and onsite science event—the ASEEDER All Star Science Carnival—held in Shanghai in May 2026.
NSL System
Primary School-Introductory Science Level 1/2/3
Align with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standard) system, master and understand basic scientific concepts, and cultivate the ability of information inquiry and application.
Middle School-Introductory Science Level 4/ Life Science/Earth Science/Physical Science
Align with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standard) system, master the principle of science practice, and cultivate students' scientific literacy and the spirit of inquiry
High School-Physics/Biology/ Chemistry
Align with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standard) system, master the relevance of knowledge between disciplines, and cultivate students' ability to use comprehensive knowledge fiexibly
Rules
- Grade:
- Grade 1-6/Year 2-7
- Content:
- Grade 1-2 / Year 2-3: Introductory Science Level 1, 25 multiple-choice questions
- Grade 3-4 / Year 4-5: Introductory Science Level 2, 35 multiple-choice questions
- Grade 5-6 / Year 6-7: Introductory Science Level 3, 40 multiple-choice questions
- Language:
- English
- Form:
- Online
- Grade:
- Grade 7-9 / Year 8-10
- Content:
- Grade 7 / Year 8: Introductory Science Level 4, 50 multiple choice questions
- Grade 8-9 / Year 9-10: Choose one of the following subjects to participate
- Life Science: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Physical Science: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Earth Science: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Language:
- English
- Form:
- Online
- Grade:
- Grade 9-12/Year 10-13
- Content:
- Physics: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Chemistry: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Biology: 40 multiple-choice questions
- * Choose one of the above subjects to participate (Grade 9 students can also be involved in.)
- Language:
- English
- Form:
- Online
Awards
Global School Awards
The highest 10 scores for each subject from each school are added to the school's score for that subject.
Asian Individual Awards
• Gold: Top 15%
• Silver: Top 25%
• Bronze: Top 35%
• Honorable Mention: Top 70%
Requirements
Fee
Includes the exam, grading, proctor fee, past-papers, certificate
Deadline
2 weeks before the competition
ASEEDER All Star Science Carnival
- Date:
- May 2026
- Location:
- Shanghai
- Team Size:
- Teams of 4 participants
- Participants:
- Students in grades 4–9 who achieved a Bronze Award and above in the NSL qualification round.
- Science Bowl:
- The Science Bowl is a unique activity that combines scientific knowledge with competitive excitement! You will have the opportunity to showcase your scientific intelligence and quick thinking. Are you ready to answer questions? Topics may range from physics to biology, from chemistry to astronomy—every field may be covered! This is not just a contest of knowledge, but an exhilarating competition. Showcase your scientific prowess to the fullest!
- Science Bazaar:
- The Science Bazaar encourages participants to unleash their creativity by selecting the scientific phenomena they find most interesting and memorable. Participants will showcase the wonders of the universe through DIY crafts, videos, digital displays, etc. The marvels of science are delivered through each project, bringing vibrancy to the world through your contributions!
- Crazy Elements Show:
- Chemistry is ever-changing, with reactions bursting forth like fireworks, flames dancing gracefully, and liquids shifting colors in an instant. Students will watch live chemistry demonstrations, immersing themselves in the mysterious world of chemistry and experiencing the wild transformations between elements.
- Chemical Artist:
- This is a creative adventure filled with chemistry and art. Using ingenious binding techniques, vibrant pigments will be infused into fabric to create one-of-akind artworks. Each piece of fabric serves as a unique canvas for creativity—what surprises await when the fabric unfolds?
- Science Holmes:
- How much do you know about science? The Science Holmes is an individual challenge where the mystery unfolds clue by clue. Answer correctly before the mystery is revealed to accumulate personal points. Through this thrilling and enjoyable adventure, your scientific vision will expand, and you will be amazed by the wonders of the world!
- Treasure Hunt:
- Scientists will unveil the mysteries of science uniquely and engagingly. Listen to their stories and deeply feel the spirit of "challenging the unknown" that defines scientific inquiry. Let scientists guide you on an exciting scientific adventure in plain language manner. Get ready to traverse time and space and experience the joy of exploration!
- Scientist's Theater:
- The King of the Universe has scattered many gems in various corners of the venue, and the Treasure-Hunt teams will receive a map indicating different treasure locations. The team must complete the "scientific challenges" posed by the gem guardians to obtain the corresponding gems. The challenges will test not only the team's intelligence but also their ability to collaborate. Who will collect all the gems? We shall wait and see!
- Individual Awards:
- Science Bowl: Top 3, Gold Award, Silver Award, Bronze Award in each division.
- Science Holmes: Top 3, Gold Award, Silver Award, Bronze Award in each division.
- All participants will receive a certificate of participation for the All Star Round.
- Team Awards:
- Science Bazzar：Top 30%
- * The above awards are for reference only; actual awards will be confirmed in the current year.
FAQ
Northern Region：
Beijing、Tianjin、Heilongjiang、Jilin、Liaoning、 Heibei、Inner Mongolia、Shanxi、Shandong
Eastern Region：
Shanghai、Zhejiang、Jiangsu
Central Region：
Henan
Southern Region：
Guangdong、Guangxi、Fujian、Hainan、Hongkong、Macao、Taiwan
Western Region：
Chongqing、Sichuan、Yunnan、Guizhou、Shaanxi、Gansu、Qinghai、Tibet、Ningxia、Xinjiang
Central Region：
Hunan、Hubei、Anhui、Jiangxi
