Our classroom workshops will be available again from January – 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: JANUARY – 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
How can we make plastics more sustainable? In this workshop, students will learn about organic chemistry and how to apply these principles to create their own edible plastic to replace plastic water bottles!
GRADES: 8-9
Codemakers & Codebreakers
The vast amount of data available in today’s world presents the challenge of keeping that information secure and away from prying eyes. Working in teams, you will get a chance to make codes, break codes, send secret messages, intercept communications, and so much more!
Please note students will need to have a computer or tablet with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 8-9
Understanding Intelligent Machines
In this workshop, students will be introduced to the world of machine learning and artificial intelligence! Students will be exposed to multiple different AI software, culminating in students creating their filters/emojis using various poses.
Please note students will need to have a computer or tablet with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 8-9
Electric Experiments
Electrical engineers work on practical technology, improving electronic devices and systems integral to everyday life. In this workshop, students will be introduced to the basics of circuit design and will use robotics to make their own game!
Please note students will need to have a computer or tablet with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 10-12
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.
Please note students will need to have a computer or tablet with internet connection to participate.
GRADES: 10-12
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. 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.