NATA Young Scientists Awards 2009

Science teachers looking for an engaging project for their students might want to consider the 2009 NATA Young Scientists Award. The competition, which is now in its third year, is open to individuals and classes in Years 5, 6 and 7 throughout Australia. Students can win up to $5,000 in science equipment for their schools.

The aim of the award is to foster an interest in science and science careers among young people. This is especially important given how Australia's technical and scientific expertise is shrinking at an alarming rate.

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) is a government-endorsed, not-for-profit organisation that conducts technical audits of Australia's laboratories and other testing and inspection facilities.

The competition encourages students to look at how science impacts on people’s lives. Entrants are invited to conduct a practical scientific experiment and in the first instance write a 300-word summary on-line. Finalists are then asked to prepare a poster illustrating in more detail how they conducted their investigation.

The finalists in this year's NATA Young Scientists Award (NYSA) have been announced. The 12 schools are:

Badgingarra Primary School, WA
Tapping Primary School, WA
Dardanup Primary School, WA
Albany Hills State School, Albany Creek, QLD
Ingham State School, Ingham, QLD
Woongarra State School, Bundaberg, QLD
Saint Martin's School, Carina, QLD
St Francis Xavier's Primary School, Croydon Park, NSW
Redeemer Baptist School, North Parramatta, NSW
The Hutchins School, Sandy Bay, TAS
Mallala Primary School, SA
Newhaven College Junior School, VIC

The winner will be announce in late October 2009.

More information is available on NATA’s website: http://www.nata.com.au/go/nysa or contact Conan Elphicke, (02) 9736 8250, conan.elphicke@nata.asn.au.