Vancouver High School Workshops

Registration for our Summer 2024 season is now open. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email us at workshops.geeringup@ubc.ca.

Our classroom workshops are available again from May – June 2024! Workshops will be led by two Geering Up instructors and consist of exciting, hands-on activities that promote problem-solving and curiosity in STEAM fields. In our high school workshops, students will have a chance to practice critical thinking and teamwork to apply the knowledge that they learn to their own mini-projects. Additionally, as a part of UBC, instructors can give advice and answer questions about post-secondary education. Students of all levels can participate and be equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to further explore programming, science, and engineering after the workshop.



  • Workshop Dates: MAY – JUNE, 2024


  • Available Times:
    9 – 10:15AM, 10:30AM – 12:00PM, 1 – 2:30PM
    We are happy to accommodate your school’s bell schedule.


  • Cost:
    1 Workshop – $195/Workshop
    3 Workshops (in the same day) – $175/Workshop
    6+ Workshops – $155/Workshop

HIGH SCHOOL WORKSHOPS

BC Curriculum Ties: All of our workshops meet multiple components of the Applied Design Skills and Technologies and Science Curriculum for Gr. 8-12.  More fun and exciting workshops will be available in May and June!

Sustainable Chemistry

In this workshop, students will be equipped with an understanding of green chemistry principals. Students will be challenged to think about sustainable alternatives to plastic usage through the lens of chemical engineering and be encouraged to discover creative solutions to our current climate crises!

GRADES: 8-9

For a full description of this workshop, click here!

Understanding Intelligent Machines

In this workshop, students are introduced to the intricate world of machine learning and artificial intelligence, laying the foundation for a highly-sought-after skillset. Through practical experience, students will be introduced to AI software tools and learn how to create and code their own sorting machine. Lastly, they will be encouraged to lead and initiate conversations on the applications and limitations of AI.

Please note students will need to have a computer or tablet with internet connection to participate.

GRADES: 8-9

For a full description of this workshop, click here!

Electronic Experiments

This workshop introduces students to the essentials of the circuit design and empowers them to create their own mini-robots using basic electrical components. Students will get hands-on experience with circuitry and an understanding of electrical engineering and its applications to every day life.

GRADES: 9-12

For a full description of this workshop, click here!

Digital Manufacturing

3D modeling is an essential tool that allows engineers to build realistic computer models, allowing them to visualize their designs before producing them. 3D modeling also provides blueprints on how to create these products in real life, using tools such as 3D printing or CNC Machining. In this workshop, students will gain hands-on engineering experience by designing their own CAD models and be exposed to the design process engineers use when creating new parts and products.

GRADES: 10-12

For a full description of this workshop, click here!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In-person workshop fees vary depending on how many workshops you choose to sign up for. Please see above for details. To help offset the cost of vehicle rentals and travel time, travel fees apply to all schools outside of Vancouver and range from $20 - $40. We recognize that some schools may be experiencing additional financial difficulties during this time. Should you want to participate but find that cost is a barrier, please don’t hesitate to contact us at workshops.geeringup@ubc.ca.

Our workshops are designed for single classes of up to 30 students. Each of our teams can teach up to three workshops per day, according to the following schedule. We are happy to accommodate the nuances of your school's bell schedule.
Workshop 1: 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Workshop 2: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop 3: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

We are very excited to join your classroom for our in-person workshops! Geering Up instructors will be able to join your classroom for an entire session to guide the class through STEAM workshop(s) of your choice. Instructors will arrive a few minutes before the workshop to set up as well as go over any considerations for your class. Workshops typically are 1-1.5 hours in length and consist of a quick introduction to a STEAM topic and hands-on, inquiry based activities. See the elementary and high school page for more details on specific workshops. Please ensure that there is a way for our instructors to project slides and, for tech based workshops, your students may need a computer/device with internet connection. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email us atworkshops.geeringup@ubc.ca.

1. Why should I bring this into my classroom?

70% of tomorrow's jobs will require STEAM skills, but less than half of high school students graduate with the prerequisite STEAM courses (Skills Competencies Canada). BC's new ADST curriculum heavily integrates computer science and applied science skills to help address that gap. Geering Up workshops aim to help educators satisfy BC's new ADST curriculum by providing their students the opportunity to investigate STEAM in fun, innovative, and hands-on experiments and projects. Our workshops allow students to build future skills, connect with current university undergraduate students, and gain tools, knowledge, and inspiration to explore a future in STEAM!

2. Will I need to download any software prior to the workshop to
participate?

No! Workshops will not require the downloading of any apps or software. All of the software we use in our workshops are web-based applications that you and your students can access through the internet!

3. What materials will my class need to participate?

For our in-person workshops materials may include computer or tablet with an internet connection. All other materials will be provided by the Geering Up team. A teacher letter with information about the workshop content and a list of any additional materials needed will be provided in advance of your scheduled workshop.

4. What do I need to do to set up for the workshop?

Please keep an eye out for a teacher letter with information about the workshop content and a list of any additional materials needed. This will be provided after registration, and in advance of your scheduled workshop.


Have more questions?
You can reach us at workshops.geeringup@ubc.ca.