A free, nationwide science competition for primary and secondary school students in Years 3 to 10, Think Science! encourages students to work as part of a team to perform an investigation using the Science Inquiry skills from the Australian Curriculum and document their process and findings in a video. Over $10,000 in prizes are on offer for winning schools and students.
We are excited to bring back the Think Science! competition in 2026. Watch this space for registrations to open in Term 1 2026!
What is Think Science!?
At ANSTO, we believe science is for everyone! Think Science! is suitable for students of all levels and abilities. This teams-based competition encourages an interactive learning environment that provides insights into how scientists work. Teachers will be supported with resources to assist with incorporating investigations and the Science Inquiry skills into class lessons. Most importantly, we aim to make science fun.
Think Science! asks students, in small teams of 2 - 4 individuals, to conduct a first-hand science investigation on a topic of their choosing. Students will document how they followed all steps of the Science Inquiry strand of the Australian Curriculum.
Teams will submit a short video, 3 - 4 minutes long for primary students and 4 - 5 minutes long for secondary students, to ANSTO, which summarises and showcases their investigation and science inquiry skills. Communication is an important science skill, and the video that teams create will determine their success in Think Science! 2026. Timing is crucial - videos must not exceed the allocated time. Unleash your creativity and produce a video that showcases how science can be fun, daring and innovative!
The competition is flexible. Any science topic can be chosen, including content being taught in classes, and provides an opportunity to include digital technology skills. No special equipment or materials are required. Schools from any State or Territory across Australia are invited to join in.
Do you have a question?
Don't hesitate to contact the ANSTO Think Science! Team if you have any questions about the Think Science! event.
Think Science! Team
The ANSTO Think Science! team
Program Leader | Program Coordinator | Program Advisor | Program Advisor |
|---|---|---|---|
Rochelle Donohue BAnVetBioSc BEd (Prim) GradCertPrimScEd GradCertEdDes | Julie Mulholland BSc (Hons) Dip Ed | Sarah Tyler BSc Dip Ed
| Rochelle Gadd BMedSc |