Fall 2026 Events registration is 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!
Sign up for our mailing list to stay up-to-date on newly announced Events.
- Events Run from September 2026 – March 2027. See below for specific dates
- Saturdays (some Friday and Sunday events)
- Location Varies. See below for specific locations
- Cost: $10 registration fee – Email events.geeringup@ubc.ca if you require a fee waiver.
2026 Fall Events
Secure Games: Cybersafe Worlds [Family Event] (UBC VANCOUVER)
Gaming is awesome—we get it! That’s why we teach game design to help youth discover how their favourite games are created. But as gaming becomes increasingly connected, it’s also important to understand how to stay safe online.
Secure Games is a free event for students in Grades 5–8 and their parents or guardians. Youth will learn the basics of game design while parents explore gaming culture, online safety, and cybersecurity risks in gaming. At the end of the event, families will come together to showcase the games created by participants and share what they’ve learned about creating safer gaming experiences.
NOTE: Please ensure to add a Parent/Guardian Session option during registration to confirm P/G attendance.
GRADE LEVELS: 5-8
DATE: Saturday September 26th, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Preserve Lab: Timeless Sciences (UBC VANCOUVER)
Gather around, preservers! Time is ticking, and every second counts when you’re working in conservation science!
At Preserve Lab, you will take on the challenge of saving a variety of materials from deterioration and decay. Through hands-on activities, you’ll explore how biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering work together with art, history, and culture to protect objects from the past and preserve them for the future. Throughout the day, we’ll investigate one big question: How do we make things last using science?
GRADE LEVELS: 6-10
DATE: Saturday October 17th, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Rooted Cities Case Competition: All Girls* Pro-D Day (UBC VANCOUVER)
Earth science, urban forestry, and urban planning are three unique fields that come together in this year’s All-Girls* Pro-D Day event!
Participants will begin the day by investigating the landscapes that surround our cities, using engineering tools and technologies to understand how Earth’s systems shape human-built environments. They will explore the relationship between natural systems and urban development, while uncovering the important role urban forests play in creating healthier, more resilient communities. Finally, participants put urban planning skills to use, applying what they have learned to redesign the same landscapes with sustainability, biodiversity, and the well-being of both people and the planet in mind.
GRADE LEVELS: 6-10
DATE: Friday October 23rd, 2026
TIME: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
To be announced: Astronomy Event
We will soon be able to share details on this exciting event that will be Astronomy-themed. Please save the date!
GRADE LEVELS: 7-11
DATE: Saturday Oct 24th, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
EduTech: Examining AI Tools (UBC VANCOUVER)
The debate continues—is AI helping or harming young learners? At EduTech, we’ll explore the benefits and limitations of AI in STEM education by comparing AI-generated outputs with human-created work. We’ll put AI to the test for efficiency, accuracy, and relevance, and discover where it succeeds—and where it falls short. Then, you’ll design your own AI-powered learning tool tailored to your needs while exploring responsible and critical uses of AI in education.
NOTE: This event will have a separate morning session (grades 7-9) and afternoon session (grades 10-12) with the same content.
GRADE LEVELS: 7-9 and 10-12
DATE: Saturday November 14th, 2026
TIME: 9:00AM – 12:00 PM (Grades 7-9); 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Grades 10-12)
Engineering Design Competition: Fall 2026 (UBC VANCOUVER)
The ocean is full of mysteries waiting to be discovered. For thousands of years, humans have engineered vessels to explore our waters, from the earliest boats over 50,000 years ago to today’s advanced ships and submarines. In this engineering design competition, you’ll dive into the world of marine engineering and create innovative solutions for exploring and navigating the seas.
As you design an ocean-going vessel, you’ll also discover that great engineering goes beyond performance. Marine engineers must consider how their designs affect the hydrosphere and the ecosystems that depend on it. Can you engineer a vessel that is both innovative and environmentally responsible? All aboard—it’s time to set sail!
GRADE LEVELS: 8 to 12
DATE: Saturday November 21st, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
GU Grand Prix: Ready, Set, Go! (UBC VANCOUVER)
Rev your engines and get ready to engineer the future of racing at the GU Grand Prix!
Participants will race through concepts in electrical engineering, robotics, and environmental engineering as they design and build vehicles powered by different propulsion systems. From circuits to sustainable energy solutions, students will explore how engineers create the next generation of racing technology. We will make a quick study of how engineers balance speed, efficiency and safety. Fasten your seatbelts!
GRADE LEVELS: 5 to 8
DATE: Saturday November 28th, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Micro to Nano: Investigating the Invisible (UBC VANCOUVER)
When we hear the word “microscopes,” we often think of biology — and you wouldn’t be wrong!However, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to microscopy. At the Micro to Nano event, participants will zoom across disciplines that rely on microscopy, from forensics and materials engineering to quantum physics and biology. Throughout the day, students will explore how scientists and engineers use microscopes to investigate hidden worlds while gaining hands-on experience with these powerful tools, where possible!Through the generous support of the French Embassy in Canada, we will be joined by Dr. Anthony Ayari who is a senior researcher at the National Centre for Scientific Research in Lyon, France. He studies matter and electrons at the atomic scale and his work bridges quantum physics and electron microscopy, driving collaborations with industry. He earned his PhD in Physics from Université Joseph Fourier and has also conducted pioneering research on ultrathin transistors at the University of Maryland.We are thrilled to have Dr. Anthony mentor at this event along with other mentors in relevant fields.
GRADE LEVELS: 7 to 10
DATE: Saturday December 5th, 2026
TIME: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
COME FIND US: ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
We will soon announce the Community Events that Geering Up will partake in for Fall 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.
Reach us at events.geeringup@ubc.ca.
