Division of STAV
Science Talent Search
About us
The Science Talent Search (STS) is organised and managed by a volunteer committee with administrative support from the Science Teachers’ Association of Victoria.
Entry to the competition is primarily schools-based through a central school STS coordinator.
Aims
STS has three broad aims:
- To stimulate an ongoing interest in the study of sciences by:
Encouraging independent self-motivated project work amongst students of science;
Giving students the opportunity to communicate their achievements to a wider audience;
According recognition of effort and achievement in a scientific enterprise. - To promote the direct involvement of the students in the processes of science and its communication.
- To give the public at large an opportunity to see the quality of work being achieved in science, by both primary and post primary students.
STS Committee and Competition Structure
Competition Management |
STS Management Committee Manage: Finances, Publications, Judging, Database, Exhibition and Presentation Day, and Sponsorship |
STS Committee Members coordinate sections (competition categories) of the competition More information HERE |
STAV Secretariat Administrative and Accounting support |
School Coordination |
STS School Coordinator One nominated school coordinator to manage school entries, judges and competition requirements |
Classroom Teachers Facilitating student projects |
School nominated Judges 1 Judge for every 12 projects or part thereof |
Student Project Entries 10 Sections (project categories) are available for students to enter |
Judging Day Onsite face-to-face judging |
Online Remote Judging Sections judged through the online platform |
History of STS
The first Science Talent Search (STS) was conducted and sponsored by the Science Teachers' Association of Victoria in 1952. The then secretary, Mr Hugh McKnight, invited students from all secondary schools to submit a 1000 word report titled My Science Project. A special judging panel of prominent scientists interviewed the entrants and awarded 17 bursaries, totalling 380 pounds ($760). There were two major bursaries of 100 pounds ($200) and 60 pounds ($120) respectively. Five intermediate bursaries of 25 pounds ($50) each with ten other awards, seven worth 10 pounds ($20) and three worth 5 pounds ($10).
Over the past half century, STS has undergone a great deal of change. Currently there are ten sections in which students can enter and it is open to all students enrolled in Prep through to Year 12 in both government and non-government schools. Around 3000 students enter the competition each year.