Queensland Science Contest Aims & Categories

What are the aims of the Contest?

There are three main aims of this contest.

1. The Contest aims to stimulate an ongoing interest in the study of science by:
• encouraging students of all ages to participate in the process of self-motivated project work;
• giving all students of Queensland the opportunity to communicate their passion and understanding of science to a wider audience; and
• according recognition of effort and achievement to students who participate.

2. The Contest aims to promote the direct involvement of Queensland students in the processes and communication of science.

3. The Contest aims to celebrate in the wider community the exemplary science currently being carried out by Queensland students.

Students may submit more than one entry into the contest. Each project should be entered into one of six categories (i.e. register each of your entries separately). Please ensure your project is registered in the most suitable category; sometimes the judges will move a project into another category if they think it is more appropriate.

Click on the category title for the downloadable PDF

1) Rowe Scientific Investigations*

Projects that investigate an inquiry question following scientific methodology and are accompanied by a journal or notebook. Investigations, inquiry projects and extended experimental investigations (EEIs) generally fit this category.

2) Rowe Engineering and Technology Projects*

Projects that investigate solutions to problems or innovations that meet a need. Projects follow the technology process to investigate, design, produce and evaluate new products. In primary schools, this process is sometimes referred to as ‘design-make-appraise’.

* Winning projects in the Scientific Investigations and Engineering and Technology Projects categories may be submitted to the national BHP Foundation Science & Engineering Awards.

3) Rowe Classified Collections

Entries in this category involve collecting, identifying and demonstrating relationships between items or materials in the collection. Such a collection should contribute to new understanding of the items collected, or developing a solution to a problem that has been identified.

4) Rowe Communicating Science

Entries should explain, clarify or communicate a scientific idea or concept to a particular audience. Entries may be in the format of a poster, powerpoint presentation, video podcast, website, game, comic strip, or other creative format.

5) Rowe Environmental Action Projects

Projects involve identifying and measuring a local environmental issue (e.g. Rubbish in the park, noise pollution, revegetation, etc). With the help of others, students investigate and enact potential solutions to the problem. Following an intervention, the issue is re-evaluated.

6) Mathematical Investigations

Projects in this category investigate a particular mathematical theme or concept in a new context. For example, students may investigate the mathematical content and ideas behind a specific interest, such as sporting seasons, or budgeting for a holiday.

7) Rowe Poster Presentation

Entries should show awareness/knowledge/comparison of change over time in scientific ideas through understanding of different perspectives & attitudes & should be in the format of a poster with at least 3 diagrams.