Welcome to the Challenge!

The UNBC Department of Mathematics & Statistics welcomes you to the Lake Estimation Challenge.

How big is the lake on the map? 

Design a clear way to estimate the surface area, volume, and the error in your estimates using mathematics, statistics, your brain - and maybe a rubber chicken!

This challenge is open to everyone but focused on students in grades 8-12.

Challengers can work alone or put together a team with friends and family or create a classroom challenge!

Contest rules

One submission per individual or team. Must be in grades K-12. 

Show us your work! Please submit your work on the answer sheet provided. 

How to register

Ready to get started? Please register here.

Contest opens for submissions on Thursday, November 19. 

How to submit

Email your submissions to mathstats@unbc.ca. 

Deadline to submit

Thursday, January 8

Results and prizes

Join us on campus for Puzzles, Pythagoras & Pizza Pi Night on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm for the results & prizes.