COLD LAKE - On June 10, 13 children from Grade 4 to 9 took part in the APEGA Science Olympics, Lakeland Branch, at the Cold Lake Energy Centre Reid Field House.
The Lakeland branch includes Cold Lake, St. Paul, Bonnyville, Elk Point, and Lac La Biche. The event, which is all about thinking outside the box, encourages critical thinking and creativity, and finding innovative solutions to problems, while working to make the world a better place.
Although the event has been running for well over 10 years, the event has no been held for the past few years because of the pandemic.
Alyssa Gladish, the emcee of the day, and past chair, explained the head office of APEGA, located in Edmonton, designs all the challenges. Challenges are based on the school curriculum.
After competing in the main two mystery challenges, there were mini-challenges the participants can also try, such as making a Ringle - a ring made of Pringles - and a key retrieval challenge. The main mystery challenges were problems they were presented with, but had to solve using minimal materials and time.
The younger children had to make a structure that would withstand a 20 second earthquake. The second challenge was to build a LED sign.
The older children were given a Red Cross type strategy game. Using a budget, they had to purchase materials to build modular housing units, and then they had to make a self propelled vehicle.
The engineer and geoscientist judges, who were volunteering that day, would score and time each project. Those with the top scores won prizes.
A few parents had fun teaming up and competing in the events too. After the event was over, there was a final ceremony with awards, which included gold, silver, bronze awards, and participant awards, which could all be made into paper airplanes.
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta were supporters of the Science Olympics. Local municipalities and businesses also supported the event.
