The 75th Annual Science Talent Search

The Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc. invites all students at Auburn South Primary School to enter this year’s Science Talent Search. You may enter as an individual or as part of a group of two. You may enter one or more of the Sections described in the handbook. The project is to be completed at home with adult guidance.

Why enter the Science Talent Search?

Apart from it being a long-standing ASPS tradition, its significance lies in its opportunity to provide authentic open-ended inquiry. As an IB school we want to help our students develop a broader understanding and application of science and technology in the wider community.

The Science Talent Search allows children to experience science inquiries through open project work. In doing so, it develops the attitudes and dispositions highlighted in the IB Learner Profile, as well as the Approaches to Learning (ATL), the skills deemed critical for IB students in school and life.

All students who enter will be eligible for awards such as bursaries and/or certificates.

2026 Theme: Seeds of Science – Nurturing knowledge for all

The 2026 theme encourages students to see science as a living, evolving process. Just as seeds need the right conditions to grow, knowledge flourishes when it is nurtured, shared, and applied to real-world challenges. Students are invited to plant ideas, ask questions, and develop projects that demonstrate curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.

This year’s theme is open to many topics and ideas, but the specific themes and topics are prescribed for the creative writing and posters categories.

Please see the handbook that describes in detail the competition as well as the requirements for each division. https://stav.org.au/science-talent-search/

The above link will also take you to the Resources page that will provide answers to frequently asked questions as well as assessment rubrics, and risk assessment forms for inventions, working models and experimental research projects.

If stuck on which section to enter, the Primary Creative Writing - picture story book section is always a fun one to enter, as well as the poster category.

Theme and topics MUST be followed for the following two sections (categories)

Creative Writing
- Primary
  - 1. The Magical Microscope
  - 2. The Inventor’s Treehouse
  - 3. Growing Ideas
  - 4. The Spark Beneath the Surface
Posters & Scientific Wallcharts
- Primary
  - 1. Bioluminescence Dreams
  - 2. The Secret World of Germs
  - 3. Biotech Buds
  - 4. The Seeds of Science

Sections open to any scientific topic or theme are: Experimental Research, Working Models, Inventions, Video Productions, Games, Computer Programs- Games and Simulations and Science Photography.

Once you decide the section you’d like to enter, please fill in the entry proforma https://stav.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/STS-student-proformas-2025.pdf

and email directly to Joanne.kretsis@education.vic.gov.au

This proforma will need to be emailed by 24 May 2026.

The payment will also need to be made by 24 May below:

Entry Fees (Incl. GST):

Individual $12.00 per entry
Group (maximum 2 students) $20.00 per entry

Please ensure the payment is made by the due date as late entries will not be accepted.

The projects are to be submitted online and are due to me by Friday 24 July.

Stay tuned for more information in upcoming newsletters.

Joanne Kretsis

(STS coordinator)

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