What is it?
The Tasmanian Science Investigation Awards is an investigation-based regional science competition.

Who can enter?
The Science Investigation Awards are open to any student in Years 5-12 from any school in Tasmania. The Upper Primary pilot in 2009 was so successful that entries are open from all Primary Schools in 2011.

Why do students enter?
The Science Investigation Awards are a great way to do some real-life science, on your own or in a team.
You’ll gain valuable skills, solve problems, work with other students, meet new people, learn a lot and maybe even win some cash prizes! Prizes for Awards in 2010 ranged from $50 to $550.

What did they have to do?
Each entry (individual or team) has to pose a question as an hypothesis and then plan and complete a scientific investigation to help answer that question. The project then has to be written up as a scientific report and also displayed as a poster. The report and poster are judged by industry scientists at the Science Investigation Awards and prizes are awarded at an evening presentation ceremony.
There will be special prize categories for Best Agricultural Related Projects and Best Environmental Science Projects (including water and natural resource management).

Entry
Students registered for the Science Investigation Awards by completing the registration form. Only registered projects were eligible for display and prizes. Registrations close Friday 3rd August 2012.

Investigation
Students completed their investigation in their own or school time between February 2012 and August 2012. Teachers are encouraged to provide support and direction and students also enlisted other people as scientific mentors.

Report and Display
A final written report and poster display is completed before Presentation Day. Pre-cut 900mm by 700mm plastic corflute display boards with header are available by contacting Science Investigation Officer on phone (03) 6226 2618 or by email picse.utas@utas.edu.au (Hobart region) or phone (03) 6430 4517 or email PICSE.Admin@utas.edu.au (North and North-West regions).

Judging
Displays and reports are judged at the Presentation Days held at the Cradle Coast campus, Newnham Launceston campus and Sandy Bay campus in August or September 2011 by judges from industry and the community. Students must be present to interact with judges to be eligible for prizes.

Presentation of Prizes
Prizes and awards are presented at the Cradle Coast campus, Newnham Launceston campus and Sandy Bay campus in the evening after judging. All students receive a certificate of participation and cheques and winning certificates are delivered to schools for presentation at Assembly.

2012 UTAS Science Investigation Awards
Will be running again in August and September 2012! To be added to the mailing list, please contact PICSE UTAS on (03) 6226 2618 or by email picse.utas@utas.edu.au