Are you ready to compete in this year’s You Be The Chemist® Challenge?!
You Be The Chemist® (YBTC) Canada is going international this year! To keep you safe and to practice physical distancing, we have collaborated with the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) on the 2021-2022 virtual You Be The Chemist Challenge®. The You Be The Chemist® challenge is a STEM competition for students in grades 5-8 to explore the excitement and value of chemistry in everyday life. And, getting started is easy (and FREE)!
This year’s Challenge consists of two parts: a virtual academic competition and a virtual video competition.
Teams will participate in a moderated livestream event to answer multiple choice and short-answer questions and hear from scientific professionals to expand their knowledge of chemistry. Student teams will also create a video exploring the intersection between the role of chemistry in their community and sustainability. Students must compete in teams of four (4). In light of COVID-19 and the precautions put in place by the Canadian government, You Be The Chemist® (YBTC) Canada urges students to only meet in person if physical distancing is possible. When physical distancing and government standards are not possible, please opt for virtual collaboration using your preferred online platform (i.e. Skype, Zoom, Teams, etc.).
Let’s Show the World What We’ve Got!
This year’s international challenge gives children the opportunity to compete with science enthusiasts across the globe! Grade 5-8 students from the U.S.A and China will also be participating in this year’s You Be The Chemist® Challenge. Let’s make Canada proud!
So exciting! How Does Our School Become Involved?
Registration is now open from September 28 – December 31. Register or nominate your team of four.
How do we prepare?! What are the questions based on?
Study materials and supporting information will be available on the Chemical Educational Foundation’s (CEF) website. Participants are encouraged to review these study materials, including the periodic table, to prepare for each level of the Challenge competition. Questions will be based on overall understanding of chemistry, general science concepts, and the relationship among various concepts.
We look forward to seeing lots of Canadian representation at the upcoming challenge!
Go Canada, Go!

Additional Resources
You Be The Chemist Canada continues to offer free lesson plans and resources to students and teachers across Canada.
Contact us
Should you have further questions relating to the YBTC program in Canada or the upcoming Challenge, please feel free to contact the RDC Head Office at 905.332.8777.
