Science Investigation Awards
The 2012 PICSE USC Science Investigation Awards will be held at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Innovation Centre Auditorium in Science Week on Thursday August 16th 2012.
PICSE will also be running the Science Investigation Awards at Xavier Catholic College, Hervey Bay on Tuesday August 14th 2012.
Results from the 2011 Science Investigation Awards:
90 science projects were entered in 2011 for the Science Investigation Awards, 84 primary students submitted 47 projects and 51 senior students submitted 43 projects. Congratulations to all for your hard work!
42 judges were also present at the awards including local teachers, University academics and Industry partners working collaboratively throughout the judging process to determine the winners.
Generous sponsorship funds enabled students to receive cash prizes totalling $5,500.00. The overall Junior Scientist award was won by Olivia Blake from Mountain Creek State School and Jacqui Brittain from Sunshine Beach State High School won the overall Senior Scientist Award receiving a cash prize of $500.
What are the Awards?
The PICSE Science Investigation Awards are an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of your choice and research a hypothesis to find out answers with a hands on and fun approach to science. Winning investigations will receive cash prizes of up to $500. Simply pick a science topic that interests you, pose a hypothesis, do some experiments and work to answer your question using scientific methodology (it's really like Myth Busters!).
Students then present their findings as a poster. The poster is entered into the awards. They will be judged by scientists and industry representatives who select winners based on:
- Scientific method
- Visual display
- Communication
Who can enter?
Any student in Years 6-7 or Years 10-12 from the schools in the North Coast Region can enter the Science Investigation Awards. Contact one of the Science Education Officers at USC for more details.
Can I win prizes?
Yes! Your poster and communication will be judged by industry scientists at the Science Investigation Awards - you have the chance to win prizes of up to $500! There are a number of awards on the day so there will be lots of cash prizes to be won!
Why should I enter?
The Science Investigation Awards are a great way to show off your science skills, improve your science skills and do some real-life science, individually or in a team of two. This is your chance to answer that burning question that you have and to have fun with science in an area that interests you. You'll gain valuable skills, solve problems, work with other students, meet new people, have fun, complete an assessment while having fun, learn a lot and maybe even win some cash prizes!
What do I need to do?
You need to plan, conduct and report on an investigation of your choice! The topic for your investigation is completely up to you but you must check with your teacher first.
You need to complete the investigation, organise into a display format (provided by PICSE) and submit the display for judging to the PICSE USC office.
Finally you must be present at the PICSE Science Investigation Awards event at the University of The Sunshine Coast to be judged on communication. There will be activities for you to be involved in on the day, food and drinks will be provided and the awards and prizes will be handed out at the awards ceremony at the end of the event. The Science Investigation Awards are a great event and you really don't want to miss out!
What help do I get?
Your teacher will be there to help guide you and answer any questions that you may have. PICSE Science Education Officers will also be able to assist you throughout your investigation by email or phone.
What do I do now?
Choose an investigation that interests you and that you will get excited about when doing your investigation as science really is fun!
If you would like to find out more contact:
Sue Lanham PICSE Science Education Officer: Phone: W: 5456 5045 Email: SLanham@usc.edu.au
Kristin Jones PICSE Science Education Officer: Phone: W: 5456 5045 Email: kmulliga@usc.edu.au
Marina Fitzpatrick PICSE Science Education Project Officer: Phone: W: 5456 5045 Email: MFitzpat@usc.edu.au
Applications for USC and Hervey Bay can be found under Related Resources
Apply Now!
