National STEM Honor Society (K-8th)
Who: K-8th grades (KG will be eligible in January)
What: National STEM Honor Society
Celebrating STEM Excellence from Kindergarten through 8th Grade!
At STEM Lab, we believe it’s never too early to recognize students who are curious, creative, and passionate about STEM! The National STEM Honor Society (NSHS) recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics while actively engaging in STEM learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom.
The mission of the National STEM Honor Society is to inspire innovation and recognize student excellence from K–Career in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Who Can Apply?
K–8 students who meet the following eligibility requirements may qualify for membership:
Academic Achievement
Students must demonstrate strong performance in their STEM coursework.
Elementary Students (K–5):
Students must earn 3s or 4s in STEM-related standards.
Middle School Students (6–8):
Students must earn a B or higher in the overall quarter grade (Computer Science courses only) or overall semester grade of all other STEM-related courses. *Please note that this is a change from elementary, which includes all STEM-related standards.
STEM courses include:
- K–5: Science, Math, Computer Science, Engineering/Media Art
- 6–8: Science, Math, Engineering, and Computer Science
STEM Learning Hours
Students must participate in a minimum number of STEM learning hours throughout the school year. Luckily, these hours are met through our Five Star STEM programming.
These experiences may include:
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
- STEM field experiences
- Guest speakers and STEM experts
- STEM clubs and activities
- Career-connected learning experiences
- Design challenges and competitions
- Other STEM enrichment opportunities
| Grade Level | Classroom STEM Hours | Annual STEM Experience at STEM Lab* |
|---|---|---|
| K–2 | N/A | 400 hours |
| 3–5 | 180 hours annually | 525 hours |
| 6–8 | 240 hours annually | 900 hours |
| Grade Level | Semester Requirement | Annual Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| K–2 | 15 hours | 30 hours |
| 3–5 | 30 hours | 60 hours |
| 6–8 | 40 hours | 80 hours |
PBL Note: Many of our Problem-Based Learning experiences involve 35+ hours of STEM learning, allowing students to build significant enrichment hours while solving authentic, real-world problems.
A Few Important Things to Know
Kindergarten: Kindergarten students will be notified in January if they qualify for NSHS.
Maintaining Eligibility: NSHS membership is an ongoing recognition of STEM excellence. Students must continue to meet the eligibility requirements to maintain full membership.
Not Quite Eligible Yet? That's okay! Students who fall below the eligibility requirements may work toward requalifying. Students may reapply after maintaining eligibility for one full year.
When Are Students Recognized? Grades and eligibility are reviewed at the end of each school year, and certificates are awarded the following fall. New Kindergarten students will be inducted at a ceremony in February!
Think You Qualify?
If you believe your student may qualify for the National STEM Honor Society please contact:
Liz English
STEM Coordinator
We love celebrating our young STEM innovators! 
