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BattleSTEM

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What is BattleSTEM?

BattleSTEM, formerly known as Science Olympics, has been inspiring students since 2009. This annual event provides high school students with an exciting opportunity to engage in STEM challenges that test their creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. High school teams participate in a variety of engaging events across campus, testing their abilities and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. We are expecting over 700 local high school students to come and compete in over 20 different events across campus!

Why bring your students to BattleSTEM?

Teachers are encouraged to bring their students to compete as teams of four in BattleSTEM, a high-energy day of STEM challenges at the University of Guelph! Students will compete in engaging, hands-on events, connect with like-minded peers, and experience university life—all while putting their STEM skills to the test. Schools from across Southern Ontario will be their competition. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to challenge your students and inspire their passion for STEM!

BattleSTEM group at Alumni Stadium

Event Information

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Location: University of Guelph Campus

Sample Event Day Schedule
8:30 a.m.: Registration and Welcome
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.: Round 1 (Approximately 20 different events run simultaneously)
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.: Round 2
11:00 – 11:45 a.m.: Round 3
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.: Round 4
1:00 – 1:45 p.m.: Round 5
2:00 – 2:45 p.m.: Round 6
3:00 p.m.: Awards Ceremony (this is a highlight of the day, and we encourage everyone to attend)

If you are an educator and would like to find out more, join our BattleSTEM mailing list.

2025 Winners List

Junior (Grade 9 and 10) Winners

Event1st2nd3rd
All Things Science Scavenger HuntRiversideStouffvilleGoderich District
Arboretum Pond StudyStouffvilleRichmond HillW.L MacKenzie
Artificial Intelligence FactQuestStouffvilleSt. JamesGuelph CVI
Best of BIOBlastGoderich DistrictCentennialBishop Tonnos
Bursting with ScienceSt. Aloysius GonzagaSt. Margeurite D'YouvilleW.L MacKenzie
Clean Water for a Sustainable WorldSt. Aloysius GonzagaBishop MacDonellRichmond Hill
Creative Encounters' Junior ChallengeGuelph CVICentennialBrantford CI
Great Gryphon RaceRichmond HillOut Lady of LourdesSt. James
Great Spy RaceStouffvilleRiversideBrantford CI
Guelph Gladiatorial MathematicsGuelph CVICentennialStouffville
Hydrogeology OdysseyStouffvilleW.L MacKenzieVictoria Park
LightBotVictoria ParkStouffvilleDelhi District
One Health HeroesGueloh CVIRichmond HillW.L MacKenzie
Planetarium AdventureRichmond HillVictoria ParkSt. Michael Stratford
Whodunit (Chemical Conundrums)Guelph CVISt. Aloysius GonzagaRiverside

Senior (Grade 11 and 12) Winners

Event1st2nd3rd
All Things Science Scavenger HuntVictoria ParkJacob HespelerKitchener Waterloo CI
Aqua AnticsCardinal CarterJohn F. RossW.L MacKenzie
Best of BIOBlastGoderich DistrictKitchener Waterloo CISt. Benedict
Bursting with ScienceJacob HespelerCentennialGoderich District
Candy: The Science of Chocolate and SugarSt Jean de BrebeufSt. JamesSt. Margeurite D'Youville
Clean Water for a Sustainable WorldW. L MacKenzieDelhi DistrictSt. James
Coding with AIRichmond HillLouise ArbourSt. Anne's
Creative Encounters' Senior EngineeringSt. BenedictStouffvilleCentennial
Data Science ShutdownCardinal CarterSt. Anne'sDelhi District
Food Sensory PerceptionSt. Michael StratfordBrantford CISt Michael Bolton
Great Gryphon RaceDelhi DistrictSt. BenedictCentennial
Great Solar HuntSt. BenedictJacob HespelerVictoria Park
Guelph Gladiatorial MathematicsCentennialVictoria ParkBishop MacDonell
How to be a Statistical DetectiveFather Michael GoetzBrantford CIDelhi District
One Health HeroesStouffvilleSt. Aloysius GonzagaJohn F. Ross
Planetarium AdventureJacob HespelerW. L MacKenzieRiverside
Trust Your Gut - Battle of the MicrobiomeGoderich DistrictDelhi DistrictSt. Benedict

Contact Us

For more information on BattleSTEM at the University of Guelph, please contact Bonnie Lasby or Jean Hein.

Women standing in the Science Complex Waasamowin for a headshot

Bonnie Lasby

Program Counsellor

blasby@uoguelph.ca

Jean Hein headshot crop

Jean Hein

Manager, Outreach

jhein@uoguelph.ca

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!

BattleSTEM sponsor logos: College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Fisher Scientific, The Arboretum, Wellington Laboratories, Actua, and Creative Encounters.