Challenge FAQ
What is the Potato Chip Challenge?
A nationwide (and maybe even worldwide) challenge to engineer a package that will protect a potato chip while being sent through the mail so that it arrives at its destination undamaged.
When will this challenge run?
The first cohort (deadline Feb. 19) is underway! All chips entered for this cohort have their matches now. Each student should be able to see their chip partner from their "My Chips" page.
To participate in the second cohort, simply enter your chip by May 1st and you'll receive a match the following week. Chips entered after May 1st will not receive a match. Exceptions are possible, if arranged in advance. Each Chip must be registered separately; please see the instructions page for more information.
How do I participate?
Sign up on this site, right now! Just follow the register link on the left. Instructions on how to do so are here.
What do I need to know about signing up?
Who can participate?
The original challenge was run with middle school students. We are expanding it to include a wider age range. Anyone K-12 is certainly welcome! Participants will compete against others from the same grade (or equivalent).
Who is running this challenge?
Wondergy - we're a science educational entertainment company. Or put another way, we're a bunch of science geeks who love to teach others what we know and get others as excited about science as we are! Check out our website for more information on assemblies, professional development, special events, and more.
Who mails the chips? To where do they mail them?
Hey - those are two questions! The chips will be mailed by any students, groups of students, home schoolers, etc. who create a potato chip package for mailing. They will then mail that package to a partner at another school (assigned by the website). Upon receiving the chips, each student will then score their received chip based on standard criteria. (See this page for an example.)
Do I have to be part of a class or can I do this on my own?
We're planning to handle "matches" on a chip-by-chip basis, so one class may receive chips from all over the country or individuals may send out only one chip which may arrive with many others at a large class. We've had a few families inquire, and as long as everyone promises to receive and measure a chip, we're happy to include them in the challenge.
Will there be prizes?
We hope so. There will certainly be recognition for "Best Chip Package Design" (or something like that), but nothing is definite just yet.
What does this cost?
The cost to participate is zero. Well, zero plus whatever you need to spend on packaging, chips, and postage. But that's up to you. You will not have to pay anything to Wondergy. If you would like to donate to the challenge, please email .
Where do I sign up?
We answered this one before. Still, Click Here.
When will this FAQ end?
Now.