For Lovers of Science - Learn About Our Science Program

The Mensa Foundation celebrates young scientists worldwide, recognizing their dedication to curiosity, discovery, and hands-on exploration while fostering a lifelong passion for science.

Excellence in Science

Science begins with curiosity, and curiosity leads to discovery.

The Excellence in Science Program invites scientists of all ages to explore expertly designed workbooks of hands-on activities. Inspired by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), these activities spark curiosity, build problem-solving skills, and encourage real-world exploration across scientific fields.

Participants who complete their selected workbook earn a certificate and a commemorative T-shirt, celebrating their commitment to discovery, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for science.

Participate

How to Achieve Excellence in Science

To complete the Mensa Foundation’s Excellence in Science Program and receive recognition, follow these steps:

Select your workbook

Determine which workbook is right for you as a scientist. We encourage participants to choose the level that best matches their skills or interests, regardless of age or grade level.

Track your progress

Print the appropriate workbook and track each activity you complete by checking it off and recording the date you finished it, along with any notes or observations. The form must be completed by hand — we operate on the honor system, and we encourage honesty in this way.

Complete your list

Once you’ve completed every activity in your workbook, double check that you have recorded a completion date and any notes for each activity, then sign your workbook. A parent, guardian, or educator must also sign and verify any workbook completed by scientists under 18.

Fill out your award order form

Each workbook contains the Excellence in Science Award Order Form. Complete the form carefully, as the information you provide will be used to create your certificate. Please write your name exactly as you’d like it to appear.

Mail in your completed list and order form

Return your completed Excellence in Science materials to the mailing address listed on the order form. We reserve the right to request additional confirmation of completion of the program and/or to refuse recognition.

Once we’ve received your signed workbook and verified it, we’ll send you a recognition certificate and T-shirt. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery.

Workbooks

Science Workbooks

Explore expertly curated science workbooks created by the Mensa Foundation to spark curiosity, inspire discovery, and foster intellectual growth. Select the workbook that best suits your scientist’s age, skills, and interests.

Kindergarten through Grade 3

With simple experiments, observations, and creative activities, the K–2 workbook grows with your youngest scientists as they begin exploring the wonders of science and learning how to investigate the world around them.

Download the K–2 Workbook

Grades 3 through 5

With fun experiments, observations, and problem-solving challenges, the Grades 3–5 workbook encourages growing scientists to ask questions, test ideas, and explore the world with curiosity and creativity.

Download the 3–5 Workbook

Grades 7 and 8

For emerging scientists ready to tackle deeper questions, the Grades 6–8 workbook introduces hands-on projects and thought-provoking experiments that explore energy, ecosystems, forces, and beyond—encouraging critical thinking and real-world problem solving.

Download the 6–8 Workbook

Grades 9 through 12

Designed for advanced scientists, the Grades 9–12 workbook challenges participants with complex experiments, research-based activities, and real-world applications across biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science—building a foundation for lifelong inquiry and discovery.

Download the 9–12 Workbook

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Contact us.

Is Mensa membership required?

No, the program is open to anyone, regardless of Mensa affiliation or membership.

Do I have to use the workbook 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 workbook 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 workbook.

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.

Inspiring a Love of Science