HKJC CoolScience
JC CoolScience Primary Science Explorer Hackathon 2026

Innovate with vision. Work with expertise.
Make science real.

JC CoolScience Primary Science Explorer Hackathon 2026 (“the Hackathon”) is Hong Kong’s first-ever dual stage, inquiry driven science competition designed specifically for upper primary students. Grounded in the principles of Inquiry based Learning (IBL), the Hackathon blends a structured scientific exploration journey with an on the spot “Instant Challenge,” enabling students to experience the authentic process of scientific discovery: posing questions, formulating and testing hypotheses, conducting hands on experiments, solving complex problems, and adapting their strategies in real time in response to unexpected challenges.

As part of the JC CoolScience Programme, created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, this pioneering Hackathon is the first public science engagement initiative for all senior primary students— bringing IBL to life beyond the classroom. It reflects JC CoolScience’s commitment to igniting curiosity, enhancing scientific literacy, and nurturing early aspirations in scientific inquiry through high-quality, authentic learning experiences.

For the winning teams, the reward is truly exceptional: a unique Science Exploration Trip# to leading research institutions and aerospace facilities in Chinese Mainland, including a visit to a top university for expert-led workshops and a rare opportunity to learn about rocket launch operations. This is not just a competition— it is a world-class gateway designed to inspire the next generation of STEM talent.

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Prestige, Creativity & Unique Experience

Hong Kong’s First Primary Science Hackathon for P4–P6 Students

A dual-stage format purpose-built for senior primary students: Inquiry Presentation + Instant Challenge, recognising scientific thinking, creativity, and adaptability under real-world conditions.

Aligned with the Primary Science Curriculum

Fully integrated with the new Primary Science Curriculum and supported by JC CoolScience’s IBL framework. Participating schools receive investigation kits and design logbooks to scaffold and support the entire inquiry process.

Top-tier Scientific Research Experience

The top 10 teams will earn a valuable and exclusive Science Exploration Trip# to the Chinese Mainland, visiting leading research institutions and aerospace facilities. The trip includes a visit to a top university for expert-led workshops, and a rare opportunity to learn about rocket launch operations.

Beyond the Classroom: Immersive Science Experience

The Hackathon finale will be held alongside the JC CoolScience Carnival, giving finalists a unique chance to compete while exploring live science theatre, interactive workshops, and hands on activities that bring science learning to life.

Competition Journey

Upon registration, schools will receive the Investigation Kit and Design Logbook by mid-March.

Thematic Inquiry
March–April 2026

Under instructor supervision, teams explore the designated theme using the Investigation Kit, conduct authentic tests, record their data and reflections in the Design Logbook, and build fit-for-purpose prototypes following the IBL cycle.

Preliminary Round: Inquiry Presentation
9 May 2026

Each team delivers a 5-minute presentation followed by a 3-minute Q&A.
Optional: A one-on-one coaching session with an Organiser-appointed instructor before the Preliminary Round to receive feedback

Final Round: Instant Challenge & Award Ceremony
20 June 2026

The finalist teams tackle three designated tasks using on-site kits and materials. As scenarios evolve, teams must adapt their designs and strategies in real time — showcasing creativity, collaboration, and perseverance.

Competition Rules and Schedule

Competition Journey

Date Milestone
6 Mar 2026 Application deadline
13 Mar 2026 Competition Format Overview and Application of the Investigation Kit
Mid-Mar 2026 Delivery of competition materials (investigation kits and design logbooks)
Mid-Mar – 8 May 2026 Teams conduct thematic inquiry & prepare presentations; one-on-one feedback session
9 May 2026 Preliminary Round
29 May 2026 Announcement of the finalist teams
20 Jun 2026 Final Round: Instant Challenge & Award Ceremony
Summer 2026 (Tentative) Science Exploration Trip# (Top 10 teams)

Rules and Participation Guidelines

  1. Entries must be submitted under the name of the school; individual submissions will not be accepted. All team members must be Primary 4 to Primary 6 students in the 2025/26 school year. Each student may participate in one team only.
  2. Each school may nominate a maximum of two teams (places are allocated on a first come, first served basis and subject to confirmation by the Organiser), with each team comprising 2–3 students.
  3. Each team must designate one teacher or school staff member aged 18 or above as the Team Leader and primary contact person.
  4. Each Team Leader may lead more than one team from the same school; however, a separate enrolment form must be completed for each team.
  5. Successfully enrolled teams will receive a confirmation email by Wednesday, 11 March 2026. Please carefully verify all information provided. If any errors or amendments are required, contact the Secretariat immediately via email.
  6. Requests for changes to team members must be submitted by email on or before Friday, 24 April 2026.
  7. All announcements and updates will be communicated via email. Please ensure that the email address provided is accurate and checked regularly.
  8. All competition entries must comply with the laws and regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
  9. All entries must be independently and originally created by the students themselves and must not have been previously published or submitted to any other similar competitions or activities. Team leaders must ensure that all submissions comply with intellectual property requirements; any violation may result in disqualification. Teachers, parents, and other individuals may only provide safety guidance and must not contribute to the ideation, modification, or completion of the work. If any entry is found to involve plagiarism, lack of originality, outsourcing, or the use of AI‑generated content, the participant will be disqualified from both the competition and any awarded prizes once verified.
  10. The Organiser reserves the right to photograph, film, and conduct interviews with participants for educational and promotional purposes.
  11. There is no appeal mechanism in this competition. The Organiser’s decision on all competition matters shall be final.
  12. If there is any inconsistency or ambiguity between the English version and the Chinese version, the Chinese version shall prevail.
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Eligibility and Judging Criteria

Eligibility:

Target Audience: Team-based entry via a school, with all members being P4–P6 students in the 2025/26 school year. Each school may enter up to two teams, allocation on a first come, first served basis and subject to the Organiser’s right of adjustment.

Team Format: 2-3 students per team

Application Deadline: 6 March 2026

Registration:
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Assessment Criteria:

The judging panel, comprising university professors, scientific experts, and industry leaders, is formed to ensure fairness and integrity in both the competition design and assessment process. The assessment framework aligns closely with the IBL principles of the JC CoolScience Programme and is consistent with the latest primary science curriculum requirements set by the Education Bureau.

Evaluation will be conducted across the following areas:

  • Clarity of the Inquiry Question
  • Scientific Accuracy and Reasoning
  • Depth of the Inquiry Process
  • Prototype Design and Functionality
  • Originality and Creativity of the Solution and Presentation
  • Communication and Teamwork

Awards & Recognition

Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up

Three Special Awards (to be announced)

Most Popular Award (Audience Choice)

The Top 10 Winning Teams: A unique Science Exploration Trip#,
including visits to leading research institutions and aerospace facilities, a visit to a top university for expert-led workshops, and rare opportunities to learn about rocket launch operations

Certificates: All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation,
while finalists will receive an additional Certificate of Achievement

Enquiry

JC CoolScience — Primary Science Explorer Hackathon 2026 Secretariat
Phone：2561 6149
WhatsApp：6196 6451
Email：jccoolscience@hkfyg.org.hk
Website：https://hackathon.jccoolscience.org
Address: Room 2201A, 22/F, Skyline Tower, 39 Wang Kwong Road, Kowloon Bay

FAQ

It uniquely blends a curriculum-aligned inquiry phase with a live Instant Challenge designed specifically for P4–P6 students. The competition is assessed by a professional judging panel and culminates in an exclusive Science Exploration Trip# — all grounded in the JC CoolScience’s IBL framework and designed to extend science learning beyond the classroom through immersive, authentic experiences.

The design mirrors the JC CoolScience’s inquiry cycle: Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Sense-making → Reflection/Iteration. Investigation Kits and Design Logbooks scaffold each step to emphasise process quality over mere outputs.

In line with the competition rules, teachers act as facilitators, offering only safety guidance. They should not contribute to the ideation, modification, or completion of the students’ work. All entries must be independently created by students, and any work found to involve adult intervention, plagiarism, outsourcing, or AI generated content may lead to disqualification. Teachers are therefore encouraged to focus on coaching inquiry skills and fostering a supportive learning environment, rather than providing direct supervision or hands on project assistance.

A professional judging panel comprising university professors, science education experts, and industry representatives. The assessment rubric—externally validated prior to the event—evaluates submissions based on the clarity of the inquiry question, scientific accuracy and reasoning, depth of the inquiry process, prototype design and functionality, originality and creativity of the solution and presentation, as well as the effectiveness of communication and teamwork.

The Instant Challenge uses on-site kits and materials provided by the Organiser. External materials are not permitted unless specified.

Visits to leading research institutions and aerospace facilities, a visit to a top university to attend expert-led workshops, and a rare opportunity to learn about rocket launch operations. The final itinerary will be announced later.

The Organiser will provide consent, safeguarding, risk assessment, and insurance details to winning teams once confirmed.

Participation in the competition is completely free of charge. For the winning teams, all expenses for the Science Exploration Trip#— including flights, accommodation, local transport, and workshops — will be fully covered.

Yes. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation; finalists receive an additional Certificate of Achievement.

JC CoolScience delivers public science engagement—carnivals, workshops, and theatre shows e.g., the 2025 JC CoolScience Science Carnival co-organised with the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Royal Institution of Great Britain engaging 12,000+ participants.
#Science Exploration Trip - Terms and Conditions

About JC CoolScience

JC CoolScience is a 4.5-year project, created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in partnership with the Education University of Hong Kong. It empowers primary school science teachers to facilitate inquiry-based learning (IBL) and enhances experiential science learning both in and beyond classroom, aimed at helping students understand the world around them through science practices – to wonder, inquire, investigate, and discover.

The project adopts a holistic model comprising - four core areas:
• teaching and learning materials for science subjects grounded in IBL practices
• professional development and training for science teachers
• “Science Engagement for All” activities for learning beyond the classroom
• upgrade of science education centres for enhanced learning experience

JC CoolScience will benefit 30,000 students from 120 primary schools. It will also support 500 teachers through professional development, “Advanced Teacher Fellowship” training, and Community of Practice activities, enhancing their readiness to deliver high-quality IBL practices in science. For more details about the programme, please visit: https://www.jccoolscience.org