3,500 Canadian students gear up for Let’s Talk Science Challenge

From April 24 to May 29, 2015, Let’s Talk Science kicks off  STEM exploration and discovery with over 3,500 Grades 6-8 students at 23 universities across Canada. It’s Let’s Talk Science Challenge season once again!

 The Let’s Talk Science Challenge is a fun-filled, on-campus competition featuring a quiz show format and a hands-on mystery design challenge. Student teams are tasked with applying their STEM knowledge, teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to create an object with limited materials before a panel of judges.

The exciting day-long Challenge wraps up with a closing ceremony and awards presentation. Many Challenge participants have been preparing since January and are set to show off their STEM skills around the country.

Find out where the Challenge is happening in Canada

As part of the Let’s Talk Science Challenge, students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 will ignite their love of science and inspire their minds with hands-on, minds-on activities like:

• How do you extract and use DNA to solve a mystery?
• How did the ancient Egyptians use physics to build enormous pyramids?
• In what ways can you work as a team to make a rocket launcher using only straws, tape, paper and scissors?

Let’s Talk Science organizes and runs this annual event with graduate and post-graduate students, faculty and staff who volunteer as part of the national Let’s Talk Science Outreach program established at 40 university and colleges across the country. Youth benefit from engaging with these positive role models who help them make connections between scientific concepts and the world around them.

Building Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills for Life

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, the Let’s Talk Science Challenge has inspired 18,054 student competitors to date—helping youth develop positive attitudes, critical skills and career awareness by engaging students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Challenge is one of a number of free STEM learning programs offered by Let’s Talk Science that helps youth prepare for their lives and careers in an increasingly scientific world. By the time these students graduate, over 70% of jobs in Canada will need STEM-based knowledge or expertise.

The Let’s Talk Science Challenge is made possible through the national and regional support of donors, volunteers and partners. This year’s National Supporting Sponsors are CH2M, Honda Canada Foundation, Takeda Canada, Shaw (Broadcast Partner), Symantec and 3M Canada.

View a complete list of Challenge supporters
Benefits to Students and How to Register for 2016 Challenge