SPECIAL EVENTS

Fall 2025 Events registration are now OPEN! Geering Up offers limited-run programs and one-day events throughout the year. We host on- and off-campus events for students in Grades 5 and above. We take a hands-on and innovative approach to exploring STEAM fields in all our events. We’re also constantly updating our event lineup with new activities and world-relevant topics, so no two years are ever the same!

girls working on a project
  • Events Run from September 2025 – March 2026
    See the Events list below for specific dates
  • Saturdays (some Friday and Sunday events)
  • Location Varies
    See the Events list below for specific locations
  • Cost:
    $10 registration fee – email events.geeringup@ubc.ca if you require a fee waiver

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS:

Creative Coding: 21st Century Artists (UBC VANCOUVER)

Creating art and writing code might seem like two very different worlds—but creative coding has been inspiring artists since the 1960s. Pioneers like Vera Molnár and Frieder Nake used algorithms to make art, showing that programming can be a powerful tool to expand creative expression.

In our first event of the new year, we’ll explore a blank digital canvas together. Throughout the day, students will design a themed digital poster using basic JavaScript, and at the end, we’ll celebrate everyone’s creativity with a poster exhibition. This event is for both artists and coders. Come as you are, dive into creative coding, and leave with a spark to make even more art!

Please note: The event will not use or promote the use of Artificial Intelligence for artistic purposes.

GRADE LEVELS: 6-9

DATE: Saturday January 31st, 2026

TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM

Physics Across Worlds: All-Girls* Pro-D Day (UBC VANCOUVER)

Planets in the universe can have wildly different environments but the laws of physics are the same everywhere. Join us at our first GoPhysGirl event where we will explore physics across Earth and Mars! We will start the day with fun physics demos before we look at natural disasters on Earth and how physics can help us understand and protect communities. Then, we will land on Mars to discover how astrophysics shapes space exploration. By the end of the day, you’ll see that physics governs everything, but curiosity is yours to shape!

This event is part of Go Phys Girl: an exciting, hands-on opportunity for girls* to learn about the world of physics. *All cis and trans girls, genderqueer or non-binary people, and those who identify as other gender minorities are welcome.

GRADE LEVELS: 6-10

DATE: Friday February 13th, 2026

TIME: 9:00AM – 3:00PM

Engineering Design Competition – Engineers Without Borders (UBC VANCOUVER)

Love to design, test, fail, and try again? The Engineering Design Competition is for you! Engineering challenges become even more exciting when they tackle real-world problems—because that’s exactly what engineers do: create solutions for everyday uncertainties. This Winter 2026, we’re partnering with Engineers Without Borders (EWB) UBC Chapter to give participants a hands-on opportunity to address a critical problem where your thoughtful engineering could make a real difference. EWB works to combat poverty and inequality through a global network of socially conscious engineers and technologists. Join us and EWB to brainstorm, build, test, and iterate, and see how your ideas could create an impact in communities near and far! The specific theme of the event will be revealed one week in advance—get ready to innovate!

GRADE LEVELS: 7-11

DATE: Saturday February 28th, 2026

Sunday STEM-letes: Exploring Sports Science (UBC VANCOUVER)

We’re switching lanes for this event! Join us on a Sunday this March where we will learn about the human body in motion. We will explore key biomechanics and kinesiology concepts and see how technological innovations in engineering and beyond are shaping sports science today. Whether it’s preventing injuries in athletes or designing or designing tools to improve performance, this event is perfect for anyone curious about the intersection between STEM and sports. Please note that this event is being held on a Sunday for this event only.

GRADE LEVELS: 7-11

DATE: Sunday March 8th, 2026

Neural Connectors: From Brains to Machines (UBC VANCOUVER)

Neuroscience is often studied at the intersection of biology, engineering, psychology, and even computer science—combining the study of our brains with the way we build new technologies. At the Neural Connections event, we’ll explore how nervous systems allow different species to sense, move, and think, while inspiring innovations in bioengineering and artificial intelligence. Throughout the day, you’ll map components of the brain and their functions through hands-on projects, including learning about biomedical devices and more. Are you ready to use your own brain to study the brain?

GRADE LEVELS: 6-10

DATE: Saturday March 28th, 2026

COME FIND US: ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS

Discovery Day: AME Roundup (DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER)

Discovery Day is free, family fun! Experience mineral exploration and mining and the technology that makes it possible in a hands-on, interactive day of learning, getting kids excited about STEM in BC. Registration can be found on the Discover Day website. Tickets required.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY 

DATE: January 2026

Kids Take Over UBC (UBC VANCOUVER)

Come find us at this on-campus event! Registration can be found on the Kids Take Over UBC website. Tickets required.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY 

DATE: February 2026

UBC Science Rendezvous

UBC Science Rendezvous is back at UBC Vancouver! Come for an exciting line up of hands-on STEM activities, demos, and tours.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY 

DATE: May 2026

FAQ

Don’t be discouraged! We often open up a couple of seats a few days before our events due to cancellations. We encourage you to still sign up!

Yes, you can register for more than 1 session.

Have more questions?
Reach us at events.geeringup@ubc.ca.