Welcome to the Challenge!
The UNBC Department of Mathematics & Statistics welcomes you to Mystery Lake – Estimate the Impossible.
How big is the lake on the map? Your challenge is to 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!
There are multiple categories to compete. Challengers can work alone or put together a team with friends and family or create a classroom challenge! There are categories for students in grades K-7, grades 8-12, family, and a category open to math lovers of all ages.
Contest rules
One submission per individual or team. Challengers must participate in their appropriate category.
Show us your work! Please submit your work on the answer sheets provided in the challenge package.
Contest rules per category
Category 1 - Kindergarten to Grade 7
Challengers must complete the elementary version of the challenge.
Challengers competing in this category are also restricted from using the following supplies:
- Coins, straws, rubber chickens, rulers and/or string.
Category 2 - Grade 8 to Grade 12
Challengers must complete the intermediate version of the challenge.
Challengers competing in this category are also restricted from using the following supplies:
- Coins, straws, rubber chickens, rulers and/or string.
Category 3 - Family
Challengers can complete either challenge depending on family member's ages.
Challengers competing in this category are also restricted from using the following supplies:
- Coins, straws, rubber chickens, rulers and/or string.
Category 4 - Open
Challengers must complete the intermediate version of the challenge.
Challengers competing in this category have no restrictions.
How to register
Ready to get started? Please register here.
Challenge opens for registration on Wednesday, November 26.
How to submit
Email your submissions to mathstats@unbc.ca.
Deadline to submit
Challenges closes on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00 am.
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. For those that cannot join us in person, we will have a link for you to join us online.
One winner per category, as well as honourable mentions.
Winning submissions will be posted. Winners will receive a certificate of achievement and a math game to take home.
All competitors will receive a certificate of completion.