The University of Waterloo's Faculty of Science offers competitive exams tailored to high school students.
Learn more about contests offered by our globally-ranked Departments.
Chemistry
The Chem 13 News Exam Contest began in 1971. The Avogadro Exam Contest followed in 1988. These popular online exams offered by the Department of Chemistry are an excellent opportunity to challenge your accredited high school’s Grade 11 and 12 chemistry students' knowledge with students in high schools around the world! In May 2025, these annual contests had more than 6,900 participants worldwide!
Chem 13 News Exam (grade 12 students)
Exam date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Ordering deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026
Cost: $8 per student
Avogadro Exam (grade 11 students)
Exam date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Ordering deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026
Cost: $8 per student
Physics and Astronomy
The Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam is a test of high school physics and is offered by the Department of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Waterloo to encourage the teaching of physics. The test, although challenging, is meant to be refreshing and fun. Political and other topical humour have marked SIN exams for years. Students participate from across Canada, the USA and abroad.
Sir Isaac Newton (SIN) Exam
Contest day: Friday, May 1st, 2026
Register by: Friday, April 17th, 2026
Cost: $4 per student