FAQs

What is the SET Challenge?

The SET Challenge is a day long science-themed race for Alberta senior high school students. Students compete against each other in a number of challenges and the winners take home funding for their school science department as well as personal medals and prizes.

 

How is the event structured?

The SET Challenge is a race consisting of two legs, a morning leg and an afternoon leg. Teams will compete in a number of challenge stations in each leg and will be assessed penalties based on performance at each station in the form of penalty minutes. Once a team has completed a station and served any penalty minutes they can proceed to the next station. At lunch teams will have an enforced, one hour break to eat and check out the exhibitors at our booth fair. After their one hour break the second half of the race will begin.

 

How is a winner determined?

Winners are determined in the order they cross the finish line. Because penalty minutes are served at individual stations there are no calculations required to determine who finished the fastest. First team across the finish line wins!  But you may find something happens prior to the event that can get you some credit and THAT changes everything!!

 

What are the rules for making a team?

Teams should consist of two grade 10 students, two grade 11 students and two grade 12 students. Because challenge stations will have questions from the curriculum of all three grades it is important to ensure ample representation from each grade. Teams may never have more than two grade 12 students or more than six students total, but they may substitute extra grade 10 students if they do not have enough grade 11 or 12 students to make up a full team. Teams with fewer than six students may not be able to complete certain stations (for example if a station requires that a team form three groups of two students), and in such a case they will automatically be assessed the full penalty for any portion in which they cannot compete.

 

What do I need to bring?

Make sure to wear comfortable running shoes, this is a race after all! Stations that require calculators will provide them to students, no graphing calculators are allowed. Make sure to also bring your required waivers if your teacher has not submitted them prior to the event.

 

Are there any other rules I should know prior to competing?

Teams are not allowed to share full or partial solutions to challenge stations with other teams, from the same school or otherwise. Any physical contact or sabotage (such as moving or hiding challenge station materials) between teams will result in immediate disqualification. Teachers are welcome to join their team throughout the day, but cannot provide any direct or indirect help to their team while completing a challenge station.

 

My department/organization/group would like to get involved with the SET Challenge, what can we do?

We are always looking for participants for our lunchtime booth exhibition or for campus groups to design challenge stations for students. Please contact us at set@ucalgary.ca for our partnership manual or more information.

 

I would like to get involved with the SET Challenge, what can I do?

Our volunteers are integral to making the event a success! If you would like to volunteer with the SET Challenge please contact us at set@ucalgary.ca. Also, feel free to advise us if you'd like to be paired up with someone you know for the day and we will do our best to accommodate.