Metro Vancouver, B.C. – Hundreds of high school students competed in chemistry, battled in biology and squared off in a variety of sciences at the 10th annual Kwantlen Science Challenge held recently at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Richmond campus.
Junior and senior teams from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver and West Vancouver took home winning titles after tackling hands-on challenges that had them use data, experiment with proper technique and solve design problems.
Winning junior teams:
- 1st place - Fleetwood Park (Surrey)
- 2nd place - Centennial (Coquitlam)
- 3rd place - Burnaby North (Burnaby)
- 4th place - Earl Marriot (Surrey)
- 5th place - Fraser Heights (Surrey)
Winning senior teams:
- 1st place - York House (Vancouver)
- 2nd place - Collingwood (West Vancouver)
- 3rd place - West Point Grey Academy (Vancouver)
- 4th place - Burnaby North (Burnaby)
- 5th place - Richmond Secondary (Richmond)
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kwantlen Science Challenge and the impact it has had on thousands of young people over the years,” said Elizabeth Worobec, dean of KPU’s Faculty of Science. “It’s always exciting to see the enthusiasm for science at this unique event.”
KPU's annual Kwantlen Science Challenge was developed for young people in science to showcase how science works, who scientists are, the kinds of work they do, and why science matters in the everyday lives of British Columbians and the communities they live in.
“The Kwantlen Science Challenge is about making science fun and exciting, and inspiring high school students to pursue an education and career in science. That’s why I do this every year — I love what I do and want to encourage young people to follow their passion for science. That’s the highest honour for a teacher when you can really inspire a student,” said Don Mathewson, a KPU physics instructor and Kwantlen Science Challenge organizer.
“The Kwantlen Science Challenge offers students the opportunity to take risks, push the boundaries of their knowledge and actually put that knowledge to the test. It's always wonderful to see how my students come together as a team through the pre-build beforehand and on event day during the lab and jeopardy competition,” added Louay El Halabi, a physics teacher at Semiahmoo Secondary School in Surrey.
“The opportunity for them to be a part of a competition involving top students from around the province is always an eye-opening experience for them, and they often leave with a sense of accomplishment and pride regardless of their final standing.”
KPU’s science-based programs provide students with an education beyond classroom learning, in a scholarly discipline that also prepares them for professional careers. For more information, visit kpu.ca/science.
Photos from the event are available on Facebook.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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