Science Games Registration FAQ

New to Science Games? Check out the list below for answers to our most asked questions.

Have any other questions about Science Games 2023? Email us at [email protected].

• 1. Why is the Science Games being held online?

  Hosting the Science Games virtually allows us to engage students around BC in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities. This also allows us to ensure our participants and volunteers are safe.

• 2. What can I expect when participating in the Science Games virtually?

  At Science Games, you’ll be in a group of like-minded students where you’ll experience different aspects of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through the eyes of your engineer or geoscience mentors. Together you’ll dive deep into the world of innovation and work towards creating unique solutions for each weekly challenge.

  For more information on the role of parents/guardians of Science Games participants, view our 2023 Science Games Parent Information Package.

• 3. How much does it cost to participate in the Science Games?

  It costs $25 + GST per individual to participate in Science Games. If there is a financial barrier to your participation in the 2023 Science Games, you can apply for a bursary for a reduced rate. The online Science Games Bursary application form will be available when registration launches in early November.

• 4. What materials will my child need to participate in the 2023 Science Games?

  Many of the materials that your child will need to complete these activities are common household items. You need to ensure that activity materials are available for use during the Saturday sessions. Materials will vary from week to week, so make sure to read Science Games emails (sent out each Saturday) to confirm what you need for the week ahead.

  The full materials list will be distributed to parents/guardians 1 month prior to the first Saturday Activity Session so you can prep any items you don’t have in advance.

  Science Games participants will also receive a package from Engineers and Geoscientists BC at the end of January. This package includes items that may not be readily available to participants, but are necessary for participation in a particular Science Games activity.

• 5. What should we expect in the lead up to the Saturday Activity Sessions?

  Participants will be emailed each week with an introduction to the week’s theme and details on how to prepare for this week’s challenge. This will include the list of suggested materials which was circulated 1 month before the program launch, and may include additional information like prompting questions, video links, or mini activities to further explore the theme.

  During our Saturday Activity Session, each participant will be guided as a group through the challenge activities by their mentors in real-time online.

• 6. What’s the program for the Saturday Activity Sessions?

  During each Saturday Activity Session, everyone will start out in one big group for a welcome/introduction, then you’ll be split into breakout rooms to work as small groups, or pods, on the hands-on activity. At the end everyone will come back together for a wrap up before the session ends. Pod groups will have 2–3 Mentors leading the activity and between 7–8 student participants.

• 7. How does the bursary work?

  The Science Games bursary was created to remove financial barriers from participation in this program. More information will be posted once the bursary program is live at the beginning of November.

• 8. Who will my mentors be?

  Your group will be paired with 2 or more mentors who will be Engineers and Geoscientists volunteers from a variety of disciplines.

• 9. What if no more space is available?

  More spaces will be released depending on the number of volunteers who sign up to participate as mentors. Please email [email protected] for more information about availability.

• 10. How can I register a group to participate?

  Each Science Games participant must be registered by their legal parent/guardian but you can group registrations with a group code. You will need to confirm your group code with all the members of your group. Assign one member of your group as the primary registrant and use their phone number as the group code for each team member during the registration process. We recommend groups confirm this in advance of the Science Games registration launch.

  Please note: The group size maximum is 3 participants so you can only share your code with 2 other Science Games participants.

• 11. What’s the maximum group size when registering?

  The registration group size maximum is 3 participants so you can only share your code with up to 2 other Science Games participants. If more than 3 registrations are received with the same group code, you may not receive the group pairings that you want.

• 12. How is the organization using the Science Games to increase participation of women in the professions?

  Engineers and Geoscientists BC has endorsed Engineers Canada’s goal that by 2030, 30% of new engineering registrations will be female. Since the Science Games began in 2012, many Girl Guides and other girl have participated in this event. Typically 50% of Science Games registrants are girls. Our organization actively promotes the Science Games to local organizations and after school groups that engage girls.