[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/all-science-challenge.jpg” caption=”The All Science Challenge winning team from Hamilton’s Westview Middle School. Photo by Laura McGhie.”]What do you get when you cross a spelling bee with a quiz show, a crime scene investigation activity and a busload of fans? The All Science Challenge, a science trivia competition for grade six, seven and eight students held at McMaster University last week.

The All Science Challenge, designed by students for students, gathers youth from more than 12 schools in the Hamilton area to test their knowledge in subjects ranging from biochemistry, physics, and engineering to environmental science and psychology.

The day's overall champions, returning winners from Hamilton's Westview Middle School, beamed as they accepted their gold medals.

“We were surprised to win again, but we studied a lot for today,” said Bogdan Chetraru, a member of the winning team who very much enjoyed the challenge. “This competition made me interested in the stuff we were studying. I found myself reading for hours on end after class.”

Chetraru's excitement is exactly what volunteers from McMaster's Let's Talk Science Partnership Program (LTSPP) were striving for when they developed the All Science Challenge.

“The competition is important because it shows kids that they can have fun with science,” said Ashley Tattersall, event co-ordinator and volunteer with the LTSPP. “They get to see that science isn't just about working in a lab, but that it's also exciting and hands-on.”

Since its creation in 2004, the All Science Challenge has spread to seven Canadian universities. Coordinators hope the competition's popularity will continue to increase, as it has been effective in inspiring young people to get involved in science.

For more information on the competition and the LTSPP, please click here.