Thousands of students showed off their skills in everything from architecture to robotics at the Upper Grand District School Board's Elementary Skills Competition on Tuesday.
The tournament was held at the University of Guelph and featured fourth through eighth grade students competing in 11 competitions related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics and skilled skills.
“Our goal is to get students involved in STEM fields and skill trades,” said Charles Benyair, technology educator and STEM director for the Upper Grand District School Board. “We want students to consider careers in those fields.”
A total of 59 schools participated in the competition. Challenges ranged from following blueprints to building standing structures to remote-controlled robotics.
Upper Grand District School Board Elementary Skills Competition on April 2, 2024. (Tyler Kelleher/CTV Kitchener)
“It's fun to imagine a plan and actually see it come to life,” explained Annie Sider, a seventh-grader at John McCray Public School.
Educators say the competition provides a hands-on approach to learning skilled trades that is not typically available in the classroom.
“When you take a technical course, you learn how to think a certain way, solve problems a certain way, and be independent and use your hands,” Benyair told CTV News. “Whatever job or career you choose in the future, you will be better able to do it because you have these skill sets.”
Benyair also pointed to the lack of skilled trade professionals. He said events like this could lead students to careers in the industry.
Upper Grand District School Board Elementary Skills Competition on April 2, 2024. (Tyler Kelleher/CTV Kitchener)
Nolan McKay and his team at William C. Winegard Public Schools successfully used computer coding to remotely control a Lego robot, and said the competition was another step toward their dream career. .
“I want to be an engineer when I grow up, so this is good for my resume,” he added.
The 11 winning teams Tuesday will represent the Upper Grand District School Board at the Elementary Skills Provincial Championships to be held in Toronto this May.
