Science Victoria :: STS (Science Talent Search)

Division of Science Victoria
Science Talent Search

Information for Students and Parents

STS is primarily a schools-based competition, with entry occurring through a central school STS coordinator. Each school must be willing to support the competition by providing judges. Individuals wishing to enter the competition without the support of a school should contact the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria Inc.for advice.

STS Handbook
If you plan to enter the competition it is essential that you read the handbook carefully. Take note of all of the general information at the front of the book and ensure you check the specific guidelines for your chosen section.
STS handbook

Theme and Topics
The STS theme for 2020 is Deep Blue: innovations for the future of our oceans
There are set topics for Creative Writing and Posters/Scientific Wallcharts sections only.

Section Guidelines
It is important that you follow all of the guidelines for the section you have chosen. You can download guidelines for each section as individual documents. Make sure you choose the correct guidelines for your section and division (that is, primary or junior/intermediate/open, where applicable). Do not rely solely on the section guidelines. You must also check carefully the Important information for entrants.

Click Here for a listing of section guidelines.

Competition Dates
For a listing of important dates Click Here.

How to Cite References and Bibliographies
Citing references and bibliographies

Self-Assessment Checklists
These self-assessment checklists may help you to ensure you have covered all of the section requirements. Click Here for a listing of self-assessment checklists.

Reports on Sections from Last Year’s Competition

You can read the Coordinator’s Report for your section from the previous year’s competition. Some of these reports have useful hints about how to help ensure your project impresses the judges.

Key Science Ideas

Picture Story Books and Creative Writing

The STS committee has provided some samples of key science ideas to assist teachers, parents and students who are unclear on what is required for this guideline.

Judging day More information.

Exhibition and Presentation day More information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your query may be answered by our FAQs.

For all other queries, email the STS project officer

Risk Assessments

A risk assessment will be required for Experimental Research, Class Research Projects,Working Models and Inventions.

A proforma is available to be used here.

Working Models and Inventions

Not sure where to start for your report?

Sample formats here:

Working Models Report proforma

Inventions Report proforma

Forms and Documents

Letter to Entrant

Entry Face Sheet

Other Resources

Instructions for submitting entries online

Instructions for submitting entries online Country Schools

Country School Video Presentation Guidelines

Oral Presentations weblink sharing

BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards partnership with STS
Science Talent Search has a partnership with the national BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards. Students wishing to enter the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards must register for Science Talent Search in the Experimental Research and/or Inventions Sections. Major bursary winners for the Experimental Research and/or Inventions sections are automatically entered into the Investigation and Engineering categories respectively. Visit the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards website for more information.

BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards Entry Form

Only students who have been nominated through their STS entry and received correspondence through their teacher in September are eligible to enter into the BHP Foundation Science and Engineering Awards.