When things do not go your way, remember that every challenge — every adversity — contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth.

– Roy T. Bennett

Hello aspiring STEM champions,

As the seasons shift, we invite you to explore the theme of “challenge” and how it can propel you forward in both your STEM journey and your personal growth. Gather ’round, and let us share a tale that weaves together the worlds of STEM and life’s challenges.

Imagine a young scientist standing on the precipice of a daunting experiment, surrounded by the unknown. The path ahead is uncertain, filled with obstacles, yet it is precisely this challenge that fuels their determination. As they delve deeper into the project, each obstacle becomes an opportunity to learn, adapt, and innovate. Through persistence and resilience, they not only conquer the experiment but also uncover insights that redefine the boundaries of knowledge.

Challenges, you see, are not mere roadblocks; they are the guardians of progress, the catalysts of creativity, and the enablers of growth. In the world of STEM, every unanswered question, every problem to solve, is an invitation to embark on a thrilling journey of discovery. It is the challenges that make the pursuit of knowledge exciting, and the solutions that emerge from them that change the world.

 

🧭 Analyze & Interpret 🧭

Identify one challenge you’d like to take on this week, be it a STEM-related problem or a personal endeavor. Share your chosen challenge with us, and as you navigate the path of discovery, reflect on the lessons learned and the growth experienced.

 

Recent Youth Science Canada news:

• Team Canada won top awards at EUCYS 2023

Elizabeth Chen from Edmonton was awarded first prize, and Arushi Nath of Toronto was awarded second prize, at the 34th European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) held in Brussels, Belgium, September 12-17. Congratulations to these two incredible CWSF alum! Learn more here.

• Applications for Team Canada-ISEF 2024 are now open!

We encourage all Canadian citizens & permanent residents who are currently attending grade 9-12 or, in Québec, Secondaire 3, 4, 5, or Cégep, to apply for Team Canada-ISEF 2024. Applications are due December 15th, but don’t wait to start applying! Learn more here.

• YSC Announces New Dates for the Canada-Wide Science Fair 2024

CWSF, Canada’s largest youth STEM event, will now be hosted by Carleton University, in Ottawa, from May 25th to June 1st, 2024. Read the full announcement here.

• CWSF 2024 Team UV Applications are now open!

If you’re interested in STEM, youth, or curious about the kind of future they are inventing, we’d love to have you apply for one of the volunteer roles on our Canada-Wide Science Fair organizing team. See all current opportunities here.

 

purpleSTEMwave

Evan Howells was selected as a Nature Inspiration Award Youth Finalist by the Canadian Museum of Nature for his science fair project: Flight of the Bumble Bee: Comparing Pollen Foraging Patterns of Bumble Bees and Honey bees in the Yukon. Evan had won a Senior Excellence Award – Bronze medal at CWSF 2023 for his project. See his profile here.

Congrats Evan!🎉

 

Fun Stuff That’s Caught My Attention Recently

If you have something to share, fill out this form

• With Halloween over, I’m sure I’m not the only one already looking ahead to Christmas and putting together a wish list. Here are some fun STEM-related gifts for youth that might be of interest.
• To continuously expand your skill set and achieve mastery over new and complex concepts, it’s crucial to have a framework for conquering challenges. Enter The Feynman Technique.
• Could I cool down the Earth by capturing a comet and dropping it in the ocean, like an ice cube in a glass of water? Talk about a challenge! But the answer probably won’t surprise you…

 

As you navigate your routines and passions, seek out opportunities to tackle new challenges, whether they are in STEM or other aspects of your life. These challenges may take the form of complex equations, coding dilemmas, or even personal goals you aspire to achieve. Challenge yourself to explore the uncharted territories of knowledge, to step out of your comfort zone, and to persevere in the face of adversity.

Remember that it is through challenges that you will not only excel in STEM but also grow as a human being. We can’t wait to hear about your challenges and triumphs. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of continuous growth and achievement.