WATERLOO, Ont. (Thursday, April 14, 2011) - More than 180 students from across Waterloo Region and Woodstock will test their scientific knowledge in a competition at the University of Waterloo next week.
The All Science Challenge features a stimulating question-and-answer period and fun, hands-on design activities that inspire Grades 6, 7 and 8 students to acquire science knowledge beyond their curriculum. Designed by post-secondary science students, the All Science Challenge is a unique, team-based event that is part of the nationwide Let's Talk Science Outreach program.
"This day-long enrichment competition helps kids get excited about science," said event co-ordinator Erin Bresser. "We are looking forward to welcoming 45 teams of young science enthusiasts to our campus this year."
After opening ceremonies on Thursday, April 21 at 10 a.m., the teams will participate in two rounds of individual and group questions, with professors, post-doctoral fellows, staff and university students serving as judges to gauge the correctness of their answers.
Students will test their knowledge in a wide range of disciplines, such as earth sciences, biology, chemistry and physics.
In the final preliminary round, teams will compete in a design activity, where they are challenged to build an object with the materials supplied to them. In past design challenges, students have constructed objects like a rudimentary Morse code machine using only a nail, copper wire, paper clips and battery. Students will be judged on their problem-solving skills, teamwork and design demonstration.
Following lunch, the top teams with the highest score will face off in two final rounds of competition.
The event will be held in the Arts Lecture Hall. It is organized by Let’s Talk Science at the University of Waterloo.
"We are pleased the University of Waterloo continues to support this wonderful initiative," said Bonnie Schmidt, founder and president of Let's Talk Science. "We hope the All Science Challenge will keep youth engaged in science and develop their potential to become future innovators and leaders."
About Let’s Talk Science
Let’s Talk Science is an award-winning, national, charitable, science outreach organization. We deliver science learning programs and services that turn kids on to science, keep them engaged in learning and develop their potential to become 21st century stewards, innovators and citizens. Through our Science Outreach, we engage more than 2,200 enthusiastic post-secondary student volunteers at 33 universities and colleges across Canada to turn more than 110,000 kids on to science, engineering and technology each year. For more information about Let’s Talk Science, visit letstalkscience.ca.
