Elementary Skills Competition introduces students to tech and skilled trades
From building to robotics, thousands of students showcased their skills at the Upper Grand District School Board’s Elementary Skills Competition on Tuesday.
The tournament was held at the University of Guelph, with grades four through eight competing in 11 events related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and skilled trades.
“What we’re looking to do is engage students in STEM fields and the skill trades,” said Charles Benyair, a tech educator and STEM lead with the Upper Grand District School Board. “We want students to consider careers in those areas.”
A total of 59 schools took part in the competition. Challenges ranged from following a blueprint, to building standing structures, to remote controlled robotics.
Upper Grand District School Board’s Elementary Skills Competition on April 2, 2024. (Tyler Kelaher/CTV Kitchener)
“It’s fun to imagine a plan and then actually see it coming to life,” explained Annie Sider, a 7th grader from John McCrae Public School.
Educators say the competition offers a hands-on approach in skilled trades learning that can’t normally be found in the classroom.
“You think a certain way when you do tech courses, you problem solve a certain way, you learn to work with your hands in self-reliance,” Benyair told CTV News. “No matter what job or career you choose down the road, you will do better because you have these skill sets.”
Benyair also pointed to the shortage in skilled trades professionals. He said events like this could guide students toward a career in the industry.
Upper Grand District School Board’s Elementary Skills Competition on April 2, 2024. (Tyler Kelaher/CTV Kitchener)
Nolan MacKay and his team from William C. Winegard Public School used computer coding to successfully remote control a LEGO robot and said the competition is another step toward a dream career.
“When I grow up I want to be an engineer so this will be good for a resume,” he added.
The 11 winning teams on Tuesday will go on to represent the Upper Grand District School Board at the Elementary Skills Provincial Championships in Toronto this May.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Video appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs beating singer Cassie in hotel hallway in 2016
Security video aired by CNN appears to show Sean 'Diddy' Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016.
Scottie Scheffler isn't the first pro golfer to be arrested during a tournament
Scottie Scheffler's arrest hours before his second-round tee time at the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, will go down as one of the most shocking in professional golf history. It certainly wasn't the first, though.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta border: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Anglers reel in 3.5-metre-long tiger shark off coast of Florida: 'She found my bait'
A group of fishers said it took roughly 20 minutes to reel in this 3.5-metre-long tiger shark off the coast of Florida.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Canadian convicted of attacking Nancy Pelosi's husband with a hammer sentenced to 30 years
The man convicted of attempting to kidnap then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and attacking her husband with a hammer was sentenced Friday to 30 years in prison.
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.