Most differential equations courses do an excellent job teaching the mathematics, and many tie it to tidy real-world applications. Finding time for students to wrestle with messy, open-ended problems is often much harder. Students Challenge Using Differential Equations Modeling (SCUDEM) gives students that opportunity by challenging them to apply what they've learned to realistic modeling scenarios.

Registration is now open for SCUDEM XI 2026, and we invite undergraduate students and faculty to participate in this year's competition. This year's competition also marks an exciting milestone, as SCUDEM joins COMAP's portfolio of mathematical modeling programs following the integration of SIMIODE into COMAP.

What Is SCUDEM?

SCUDEM is a team-based mathematical modeling competition for undergraduate students. Working in teams of 3 with the guidance of a faculty coach, students choose one of three modeling scenarios and develop a solution using differential equations.

There isn't a single "right" answer. Instead, students must decide how to approach the problem, make and defend their assumptions, interpret their results, and explain the reasoning behind their model in a technical report.

That emphasis on applying mathematics to authentic problems is something COMAP has championed for decades. Whether it's through math modeling contests like the MCM®/ICM®, HiMCM®/MidMCM, IM²C, or SCUDEM, the goal is the same: helping students discover how mathematics is used to understand and solve real-world challenges.

If you're new to mathematical modeling, you may enjoy reading some of our articles, which explore why modeling has become such an important skill both inside and outside the classroom:

• What Is Mathematical Modeling, Really?
• How the Mathematical Modeling Mindset Prepares Students for Real Life
• A Student Guide for Getting Started with Math Modeling

A Great Fit for Differential Equations Courses

Many instructors use SCUDEM as part of their differential equations course. It gives students a chance to use the mathematics they're learning to solve a problem that doesn't come with a known answer.

Along the way, students strengthen their ability to:

• Work collaboratively as a team
• Develop and evaluate mathematical models
• Communicate technical ideas clearly
• Defend assumptions and interpret results
• Apply mathematics to real-world situations

Important Dates

• Registration: Now OPEN
• Challenge Window: October 16 - November 10, 2026
• Results Available: Mid-December 2026

Complete competition information, registration details, coach resources, student information, and challenge instructions are available on the SCUDEM website.

Start Planning Now

The competition may still be a few months away, but now is the ideal time to start thinking about your team. Identify a faculty coach, talk with interested students, and make plans to incorporate SCUDEM into your fall semester.

If you're a returning coach, we look forward to welcoming you back. And if this will be your first SCUDEM, we hope you'll join us and discover why so many faculty continue to make the competition part of their differential equations courses year after year.

Registration for SCUDEM XI is now open. We hope you'll be part of it.