To encourage curiosity and exploration in STEM-related fields, the Mensa Foundation has developed the Excellence in Science Award Program – complete science activities, earn a commemorative certificate in recognition of your outstanding achievement and get an Excellence in Science T-shirt, too!
The Mensa Foundation recognizes and encourages education, gifted youth, and lifelong learning through resources like the Mensa for Kids website and other programs for youth and those who support them.
While these activities were written or selected for children in grades K-12, this program is open to all (including parents and teachers!) – the only requirement is an interest in science.
Inspired by the principles of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the Excellence in Science program invites learners to complete hands-on, research-based, creative, and real-world activities across a variety of science topics. The Mensa Foundation aims to help every participant build a lasting passion for science, one badge at a time.
To participate in the Mensa Foundation Excellence in Science Program, follow these steps:
Select a list from the grade level bands available. Participants can choose any list that best fits their skills and interests.
Print the appropriate list and track each activity you complete by checking it off as you go. When you finish all the activities for a given badge, record the completion date on your badge sheet. Please complete the form by hand. We operate on the honor system, and we encourage honesty in this way.
Once you’ve completed an entire list by finishing every badge, both the reader and an adult will need to sign the badge sheet as verification and return it and the order form to the Mensa Foundation at the address provided. Once we’ve received your signed badge sheet and verified it, we’ll send you a recognition certificate and T-shirt. Please allow 6 weeks for delivery.
Important Questions Answered
Is Mensa membership required?
No, the program is open to anyone, regardless of Mensa affiliation or membership.
Do I have to use the list for my grade level?
No, participants can pick the list that’s best for them.
Do I have to complete the activities exactly as written?
No, feel free to make adjustments to any activity as needed. This program is meant to be flexible and inclusive – if you can adapt the activity while keeping the scientific concepts intact, go for it!
Do I need to complete the activities in order?
No, activities can be completed in any order. Just make sure all badge requirements on the list are checked off before submitting your form.
Do I have to submit my completed projects?
No, all you need to submit is your signed badge sheet. We operate on the honor system, and we trust parents/teachers to verify that each badge was completed in its entirety.
Can the same activity be used satisfy multiple badge requirements?
Yes, we recommend reading the list in its entirety before you begin so you can make note of any activities that can be combined or modified to use across two or more badges.
Can I redo the program if I already completed it at a younger grade level?
Yes! We encourage participants to continue exploring science at any age or level, and we’re happy to issue additional awards for each new badge list completed.
Can school projects or classroom assignments count toward badge activities?
Yes, if a school project or classroom activity aligns with one of the badge requirements, it absolutely counts.
I’m a teacher – can I swap some of these for similar activities that are already part of my school curriculum?
Please do! We trust teachers to make the right decisions for their students’ educational needs while maintaining the integrity of the Excellence in Science Award Program.
If a teacher does an activity with the whole class, does every student in the class get credit for completing the activity?
Yes, as long as the student is present for the activity. Students who are absent must complete the activity another time before checking it off their list.
Can a teacher/parent submit a form and be recognized as well?
Of course!
Will you send my students’ awards to our school?
Yes, just include your school’s name, address, and who to attention it to.
Do you ship awards internationally?
Yes! We’re happy to send certificates and T-shirts to participants outside the U.S. Please note that international delivery may take longer than the standard 6-week timeline.
