Saanich Students Triumph in Junior Category at Kwantlen Science Challenge

Students from Mount Douglas Secondary in Saanich, British Columbia, achieved a remarkable victory by securing first place in the junior category of the 2025 Kwantlen Science Challenge. This annual competition took place on November 29, 2025, at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Richmond, drawing participation from 54 teams across the province. This win marks the second time Mount Douglas has clinched the junior title, having previously won in 2019.

The competition, which has been held for nearly two decades, features an array of challenges that test students’ knowledge and skills in various scientific disciplines. The junior division includes six laboratory activities covering subjects such as biology, chemistry, engineering design, geography, mathematics, physics, and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, participants engage in a fast-paced trivia contest inspired by the popular game show, Jeopardy, where teams race to buzz in and answer questions.

Preparing for the competition involves a rigorous selection process and extensive training. Initially, about 60 students tried out for the team, but only seven were chosen for each division. According to Neal Johnson, a math and science teacher at Mount Douglas, the team underwent intensive training and multiple practice rounds leading up to the event. He expressed the excitement of the students post-competition, stating, “Moments after the results, the kids went absolutely ecstatic.”

Mount Douglas students distinguished themselves through their thorough preparation, which included building nearly 200 paper airplane models to identify the best design for the engineering challenge. The competition also involved creating paper airplanes for distance and accuracy, as well as mystery stunt challenges. Johnson emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication, noting, “The secret behind winning is wonderful kids coming from amazing families and dedicated staff.”

Weeks following the event, the school received notification of an additional award for their participation in the challenge. Johnson mentioned that the team has not yet revealed this award to the students. To celebrate their achievements, Mount Douglas will host an event on January 14, 2026, featuring cake and surprises for all participants.

The success of the Mount Douglas junior team highlights the commitment and enthusiasm of young scientists in British Columbia, showcasing the value of educational competitions in fostering a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.