Think Science! A Nationwide Science Event

New in 2023, Think Science! is a free nationwide science competition for primary and secondary school students in Years 3 to 10. Think Science! encourages students to perform an investigation using the Science Inquiry skills from the Australian Curriculum and document their process and findings in a video format.  Over $10,000 in prizes are on offer for winning schools and students. 

At ANSTO, we believe science is for everyone! Think Science! is suitable for students of all levels and abilities. This teams-based competition encourages an interactive learning environment that provides insights into how scientists work. Teachers will be supported with resources to assist with incorporating investigations and the Science Inquiry skills into class lessons. Most importantly, we aim to make science fun.

What is Think Science!?

Think Science! encourages students, in small teams of 2 - 4 individuals, to conduct a first-hand science investigation on a topic of their choosing. Students will document how they followed all steps of the Science Inquiry strand of the Australian Curriculum (v9 2022) and submit a short video, up to 3 minutes for primary students and 4 minutes for secondary students, to ANSTO which summarises their investigation.

The competition is flexible. Any science topic can be chosen, including content being taught in classes, and provides an opportunity to include digital technology skills. No special equipment or materials are required. Schools from any State or Territory across Australia are invited to join in.

There are four categories for entry, each with great prizes:  Years 3/4, Years 5/6, Years 7/8 and Years 9/10. Additional prizes for schools in regional and remote areas are also offered.

All students must learn Science Inquiry skills as part of the Australian Curriculum. Think Science! enables students to engage with science content and practice skills in an enjoyable and creative way. Any Australian student in Years 3 to 10 can participate as a part of a small team and be in the running for great prizes for their school.

Would you like to be a part of Think Science!? 

Who can enter

School students in Years 3 to 10 from all States/Territories of Australia can enter Think Science!

Classes or student teams must be registered by a teacher.

If you are an individual student, tell your teacher about this event and ask them to register you and your team of 2 to 4 people.

Homeschool teams are welcome to register for Think Science! Homeschool entries will be eligible for student prizes.

Important Dates

Registration opens: Monday 20th March 2023

Closing date for submission of entries: Friday 18th August 2023

Winners announced: Monday 18th September 2023