Guelph - Learn about science and have a shot at a gold medal. That's the goal for about 460 high school students taking part in the University of Guelph's first-ever Science Olympics May 28.

Teams of students from 19 high schools will vie for junior and senior prizes in contests involving biology, physical sciences, nanoscience and agricultural sciences during the day-long event. They’ll build a catapult to fling ping-pong balls and compete in math “Jeopardy,” chemistry “Scramble” and “Survivor” biology.

After the student events, teachers will compete in a multiple-choice test on the day’s topics. Winning teachers will receive gifts such as lab equipment and free registration for an environmental camp for students.

Bonnie Lasby, recruitment officer for the College of Physical and Engineering Science, said the event is intended to pique students’ interest in science and attract high school students to apply to U of G.

About 100 faculty, staff and students from CPES, the College of Biological Science and the Ontario Agricultural College have volunteered to take part in the Science Olympics.

“I know how great these events can be at showing how fun and exciting science and technology can be,” said volunteer Isdin Oke, who just completed his first year in U of G’s nanoscience program.

“It’s a chance for students to use their knowledge from classes in high school and apply their own creativity to solve problems and challenges. That’s the fun and exciting part.”