Science Talent Search

About the competition

The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual, science-based competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria, Australia.

Each year the competition has a specific theme and is divided into various divisions:

• experimental research
• class research project
• creative writing
• working models and inventions
• posters - scientific wall charts
• games
• computer programs - games and simulations
• science photography
• video productions

The theme for 2005 is Energy: Future Challenges.

The aims of the competition

STS has four main aims:

• to stimulate an ongoing interest in the serious study of science by encouraging independent self-motivated project work amongst science students
• to give students the opportunity to communicate their achievements to a wider audience and by recognising effort and achievement in a scientific enterprise
• to promote the direct involvement of the students in the process of science and its communication
• to give the public at large an opportunity to see the quality of work being achieved in science by primary students

Science Talent Search divisions

Science Talent Search is made up of several divisions, including:

• experimental research - lower primary and primary divisions
• class research project - lower primary only
• creative writing - lower primary and primary divisions, junior, intermediate and open divisions
• working models and inventions - all divisions
• posters (scientific wall charts) - lower primary and primary divisions, junior, intermediate and open divisions
• games - all divisions
• computer programs, games and simulations - all divisions
• science photography - all divisions
• video productions - all divisions 

Selection criteria

The award is open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria. The Science Teachers of Victoria (STAV) website provides answers to frequently asked questions and entry guidelines.

The lower primary division is open to prep to year three students. The Primary division is open to Years Four to Six. The Junior category is open to Year Seven and Eight students. The Intermediate category is open to Year Nine and Ten students. The Open category is to Year 11 and 12 students.

Key dates - 2005

• Monday 7 March - online entry registration opens (all entry is online)
• Friday 13 May - entry registration closes
• Monday 6 June  - Schools Pack 1a (confirmation of entries)
• Tuesday 7 June - online system re-opens for amendments
• Tuesday 21 June - online system closes
• Monday 12 July - Schools Pack 1b (entry labels)
• Thursday 21 July and Friday 22 July - actual entries to STAV Office (creative writing, experimental research and country entries not attending Judging Day)
• Saturday 13 August - public Judging Day (models and inventions, computers, games, photography, posters, video, class project)
• Monday 6 September - Schools Pack 2 (entries received)
• Monday 3 October - Schools Pack 3 (results and certificates)
• Wednesday 2 November - exhibition and Presentation Day

Further information

Science Talent Search 2005 Handbook (PDF 630Kb)  Detailed information about the Science Talent Search including who can enter and how to enter.

Contact the Victorian Business Line (VBL) on 13 22 15 regarding any problems with file downloads.

Contact

Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV)

Contact STAV for a printed copy of the STS Handbook. Cost to non members is $6.00.
Tel: (+61 3) 9385 3999
Web: www.stav.vic.edu.au