There are twenty-three events in which competitors face off on a single day. Events fall under three main categories: Science Concepts and Knowledge, Science Processes and Thinking Skills, and Science Application and Technology. They are either knowledge-based (i.e. written tests or laboratory tasks in earth science, physics, biology, and chemistry) or engineering-based (i.e. participants construct a device to do specified tasks).
Knowledge-based events generally have two participants either taking a test, performing experiments, and mathematically analyzing data. Examples of such events are Cell Biology, Chemical ID, and Science Crime Busters.
Engineering-based events have a team of two to three participants. They are to construct a device following a specific event's parameters and test the device against others. Examples include Mission Possible, Robot Ramble, Bridge/Tower Building, and Storm The Castle.
The majority of events require two team members, though some require more. If one member is unable to attend an event, the other is able to continue, depending on the event, with the competition, though at an obvious disadvantage.