Science award open to experiments

THE Ballarat Tech School is inviting secondary students to engage with experimental ideas as entrants in the Peter Doherty Science Award.

Curious minds across the region in years 7 to 10 are encouraged to investigate an everyday problem, applying scientific methods to produce research, before they present their results within a speech and poster.

STEM educator and program facilitator Kirstyn Hall said the process is a chance for young people to apply the things they’re learning in the classroom.

“They can choose a topic that they’re interested in. An example I like is the ‘three-second rule,’ when dropping something on the floor,” she said.

“Here’s the chance to test something like that. Everyday questions are what this is all about, not highfalutin science. They’ll work to get a result that is useful to people.”

Ballarat Grammar students Pippa Murphy and Ashlyn Hall won the Award in 2019 with their presentation, Are you paying too much for your stain remover?

They’re encouraging other pupils to enter in 2021, to explore their world, inquire, strive to solve their own queries, and share their discoveries.

The Award was created 12 years ago by the Committee for Ballarat and Australian Nobel Prize Laureate Professor Peter Doherty. Ballarat Tech School has facilitated the competition since 2018.

Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity researcher Catriona Nguyen-Robertson is the Award’s 2021 ambassador, with a passion for engaging young people in science.

Whether participating within their school curriculum or independently, selected students’ projects will be judged by an expert panel, and those with the best evidence-based scientific presentation will win.

Submissions close on Wednesday, 3 November, with a presentation night planned for Wednesday 17 November, showcasing top entries.

Prizes include $1000 for the overall winning entry, with $600 to the student or team, and $400 to the school. A STEM prize pack will go those receiving the communication award, and local vouchers will be presented to those winning the community award.

For more information, visit ballarattechschool.vic.edu.au, or contact [email protected] or 5327 8080.