A free, nationwide science competition for Years 3–10 that challenges student teams to conduct a scientific investigation and present their findings in a video, with over $10,000 in prizes to be won.
At a glance
- Who: Years 3–10 (school entries registered by a teacher; homeschool teams welcome)
- Teams: 2–4 students
- Video length: Primary 3–4 min | Secondary 4–5 min (time limits apply)
- Topic: Your choice (first-hand investigation) — Please see teacher resources for more guidance
- Equipment: No special equipment required — use what’s available at school
- Prizes: Over $10,000 in prizes
What is Think Science?
Think Science! is designed to help students practise the science inquiry skills used in real science: asking a testable question, collecting evidence, and explaining results clearly. It’s flexible enough to fit into an existing unit of work, a science rotation, or an extension project.
How it works
- Choose a question your team can investigate safely in a classroom or home setting.
- Plan your method so it’s a fair test (what you change, what you measure, what you keep the same).
- Run the investigation and record results (tables, counts, timings, photos, observations).
- Explain what the results show and what they mean for your question.
- Create a short video that shows your process and findings within the time limit.
Important dates
- Registrations open: Monday 9 February 2026
- Entries due: Friday 3 July 2026
- Winners announced: National Science Week (15–23 August 2026)
Prizes
Over $10,000 in prizes are available for winning schools and students.
Winning schools receive science education resources, and students can receive awards such as medals, certificates, and other prizes depending on category and place.
Who can enter?
- Students in Years 3–10 from all Australian states and territories.
- Entries are registered by a teacher on behalf of a class or team.
- Homeschool teams are welcome and eligible for student prizes.
Video requirements
Students will document the inquiry process and showcase their findings in a short video.
- Primary (Years 3–6): 3–4 minutes
- Secondary (Years 7–10): 4–5 minutes
Videos must stay within the time limit.
What makes a strong entry?
A strong entry makes it easy to follow the investigation from start to finish and presents this information in a fun, creative and engaging way:
- A clear, testable question
- A fair method (variables explained)
- Results shown clearly (not just described)
- Conclusions linked to evidence
- A well-sequenced, engaging and creative video that stays within the time limit
Teacher support and resources
ANSTO provides classroom-ready materials to help you run investigations and support students to plan, test, record and communicate results.
General Teacher Information
Think Science! Online Logbook
- Five easy modules to help you prepare your Think Science! entry.
- Designed especially for Years 7–10, but anyone can use them!
- Guides you step‑by‑step from choosing a topic all the way to making your video.
- Super helpful if you’re not sure where to start or want some extra support!
Primary Teacher Resources | Secondary Teacher Resources |
|---|---|
Participating Schools
See all the schools that have registered for Think Science! 2026!
Ready to take part?
Register your school to receive competition updates and submission information.
When you’re ready, submit your entry through the Teacher Entry Form.
Do you have a question?
Don't hesitate to contact the ANSTO Think Science! Team if you have any questions about the Think Science! event.
Think Science! Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the competition free?
Yes, the Think Science! Competition is free for schools and students to enter.
How many entries can I submit?
There is a limit of 3 entries per class. A school with multiple classes can submit three entries from every participating class. An online entry form needs to be submitted by a teacher for each class.
Can our video go over the time limit?
We will not be able to mark any entries that go over the time limit (4 minutes for Primary; 5 minutes for Secondary)
How should I upload my video?
Please upload your video as a private video on YouTube, and enter the link in the teacher entry form. Please ensure that link users have access to watch the videos. We do our best to test each link as entries come in, and will ask for access if necessary, however we do ask that you check prior to submission.