About Science Talent Search
Science Talent Search (STS) aims to promote science teaching and learning through creative project work. Primary and secondary students are invited to participate in the 51st STS competition. Last year, over 250 entries were received.
This year the STS will again link with the BHP Billiton Science Awards.
BHP Billiton is a major sponsor of Science Talent Search.
2009 Science Talent Search Winners
2009 Science Talent Search Winners
How it Works
Entries may be submitted by students from any school in Western Australia, or by students under home tuition. Students’ who enter, should be actively involved in doing original and independent work. Entries solely involving collection of information from a library are not competitive. Students are encouraged to try their own ideas rather than copy something they have read.
Available Categories
There are three major categories for entry:
- Investigations
- Scientific models
- Scientific Communication
In the Secondary Research Investigations category, entries will be judged according to the Learning Outcomes for Science in the Curriculum Framework:
- Earth and Beyond
- Life and Living - People
- Energy and Change
- Life and Living - Animals and plants
- Natural and Processed Materials
- Consumer Science
The STS categories have been aligned with the Curriculum Framework, as outlined by the Curriculum Council of Western Australia. This provides schools and teachers with the opportunity to implement a Science Talent Search project that meets the requirements of outcomes based education and the science curriculum.
Age Groups
Levels of entry vary according to age. A student can only enter one level. When students from different age levels work together, the level of the oldest student will be taken as the level for the whole entry. For example, when students from Year 4 and Year 5 work together, the level is taken as Upper Primary. The age levels are:
Primary:
- Early Childhood (Years K ‑ 2)
- Middle Primary (Years 3 ‑ 4)
- Upper Primary (Years 5 ‑ 7)
Secondary:
- Lower Secondary (Year 8)
- Middle Secondary (Years 9-10)
- Upper Secondary (Years 11 ‑ 12)
What you Could Win
Each entry receives a Participation Certificate* a Merit Certificate, or a Winner’s Certificate and prize.
The BHP Billiton Science Awards present a considerable number of significant cash prizes to primary and secondary students. Students that win major bursaries in the investigation section of the STS will become finalists in this competition. The overall winner of the BHP Billiton Science Awards will be given the opportunity to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair in the USA.
Both primary and secondary students who submit a project into the Investigations category are also eligible for selection by STAWA STS judges for entry into the BHP Billiton Science Awards. See http://scienceawards.bhpbilliton.com for additional information.
Supervisor Involvement
Although the majority of entrants receive legitimate guidance from supervisors in the selection and planning of entries, students should be aware that they themselves must carry out the main body of work. A student’s supervisor may be asked to confirm this if the entrant is being considered for a prize. Schools are to hold their own Science Talent Search competition and pre-select their best projects (See rule 5 page 8).
How To Register
Entries cannot be lodged without first being registered. Registration involves completing the STS registration form. Teachers or students must visit the STS Website and submit their entry details electronically.
Registration on-line closes 5.00 pm Friday August 28th 2009.
Download the Science Talent Search Guide (PDF - 1MB) for full details and event rules.
DOWNLOAD SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE
Any Further Questions?
If you need assistance with any aspect of Science Talent Search please contact the STAWA office on (08)9244 1987 during normal business hours.
