[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Eng_olympics.jpg” caption=”Olympics and Open House”]Whether in the physics paper triathlon, photonic puzzles or the software engineering challenge, the engineering and science skills of 600 high school students were put to the test in the annual McMaster Engineering and Science Olympics and Open House.

Students from 41 secondary schools across Ontario competed in Thursday's event that showcased McMaster's engineering and science programs.

“It is an opportunity for students to meet faculty and students in the engineering labs, view the numerous displays and demonstrations and tour the McMaster campus,” says Bob Loree, director of Engineering I. “It also shows students that engineering and science is very broad.”

Approximately $20,000 in entrance awards was given to the winners of the 11 competitions, added Loree. These awards are available to students who apply and are accepted into Engineering I at McMaster.

The event is a great recruitment tool for future engineers and scientists, says Loree. “It encourages students to come to McMaster. Many first-year students come to me and say they chose McMaster because they came to this when they were in high school and they had a really great time.”

Many of these students volunteer in the Olympics and Open House program, he notes. This year, more than 300 undergraduate engineering students volunteered.

Photo caption: Grade nine student Andrew Johnson, front, and OAC students, from left, Odi Diryawish and Richard Bassindale, compete in the Civil Canada Arm competition in the John Hodgins Engineering Building. Photo credit: Chantall Van Raay