ESQ Fall 2024 Programs

Get ready for a STEM-filled Fall

Engineering Outreach's Engineering Science Quest (ESQ) programs combine hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, design challenges, and mentorship opportunities. All ESQ clubs and camps are taught by passionate university students studying in STEM disciplines. We are pleased to announce ESQ’s fall line-up of Tech Quest Clubs and PD Day Camps. Please check back in October for information on our on-campus Family STEM Night dates! We will highlight program offerings in our October Newsletter. 

Waterloo Engineering Outreach is a proud network member of Actua. Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. Each year, the Actua network engages over 375,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Please visit www.actua.ca.

Registration for Fall 2024 programming will open September 3rd at 12pm EST.

To register for the programs below you will have to create an account in our registration system. If you have not created an account with us yet, you can do so by following our registration guidelines, see below. 

Banner with ESQ tech Quest After School Clubs Print with dates. Small computer screen with a picture of a leader in a purple t-shirt helping 3-4 campers with an arduino activity.

ESQ Tech Quest Clubs

Attention all young tech enthusiasts! Join ESQ’s Tech Quest series, an after-school club for students in Grades 4-6 and 7-9, starting this fall. Participants will explore fun technology like LEGO Spike Prime, Micro:bits, and more, while diving into the fundamentals of coding. Over the four-week program, participants will tackle hands-on projects that spark creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and build a solid foundation in computer programming. It’s the perfect opportunity to fuel their passion for technology in a fun, engaging environment! No prior experience is necessary, all are welcome to participate. 

We are excited to offer free cheese and halal pepperoni pizza for the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate gluten free dietary needs. 

Dates: 

  • Grades 4-6: October 2 - 23
  • Grades 7-9: November 27 - December 18
  • Grades 10-12: November 25 - December 16

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus

Program Pricing: $125/participant (+HST for Grades 10-12), bursaries applications available

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 PM

  • Drop-off: 4:45 - 5:00 pm
  • Pick-up: 7:30 -7:45 pm
Banner with ESQ PD Day Camps Print with dates. Excited Children smiling and laughing at a robot that resembles a dog.

ESQ PD Day Camps

ESQ is offering full-day PD Day camps for youth in grades 2-3 and 4-6. Our camp participants will explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through participation in exciting hands-on challenges and collaboration projects. Put your thinking caps on, and let’s explore all things STEM in these two days of FUN! Registration for PD Day Camps is for single days only, however, youth are welcome to register for both offerings. 

We are excited to offer free cheese and halal pepperoni pizza for the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate gluten free dietary needs. 

Dates: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

  • Grade 2-3 & 4-6: Friday October 11
  • Grade 2-3 & 4-6: Friday November 1

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus

Camp price: $80/participant per PD Day, bursaries applications available.

Time: 8:30 - 4:30 pm

  • Drop-off: 8:30 - 9:00 am
  • Pick-up: 4:00 - 4:30 pm

Themes:

October 11: STEM Explorers - Journey Through Time and Space

Campers embark on an adventure through different eras and locations, discovering how STEM has evolved to shape our world. From ancient engineering marvels to future space missions, they’ll explore the past, present, and future of science and technology. 

November 1: STEM Detectives - Crack the Code of Science

Campers take on the role of detectives, using STEM skills to solve mysteries and puzzles. Whether it’s cracking codes, solving mathematical riddles, or conducting forensic experiments, they’ll learn how STEM helps us understand and solve the world’s mysteries.

On the left, a roll of fil with pictures of parents and their children doing a STEM activity/craft together.

Family STEM Nights

Join us for an exciting Family STEM Night!  

Bring the whole family to our 1.5-hour hands-on STEM experience! Together, you'll dive into an exciting STEM workshop designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and exploration. Come ready to experiment and learn in a lively, interactive environment that makes science, technology, engineering, and math fun for everyone! 

Siblings are welcome, so don’t miss out – let's make some memories together! 

Dates:

  • November 28th for Grades K-2 Families 
  • December 12th  for Grades 3-5 Families 

Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm  

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus  

Cost:   Free 

  

Wait, There's More!

Seeking STEM programs off-campus? ESQ also offers free STEM clubs within the Waterloo-region! This Fall, we have three programs at the following locations: 

  • Kitchener Library (Central Branch)
  • Waterloo Public Library (Eastside Branch)
  • Idea Exchange | Old Post Office (Galt, Cambridge)

Interested in hosting ESQ at your library or community centre? ESQ is eager to expand our community partnerships and connect with as many youth as possible!

We offer FREE, hands-on STEM activities in a variety of delivery formats, such as:

  • Workshops
  • Booth Activities @ Events
  • Recurring Clubs

Email esqinfo@uwaterloo.ca for partnership inquiries!