SASTA will be adding resources, links and ideas for students developing a project for The Oliphant Science Awards!
Keep checking back for more updates and articles throughout this years competition...
If you're looking for information about a specific category, type it into the search function below to see what's available!
Tips & Tricks for a Winning Project
on 30/05/2024
Check out below some advice for putting together your winning Oliphant's project!
Have you seen our NEW project checklists? Make sure you've ticked off all the essential elements of your project, from putting it together all the way through to submitting it. Find them on each category page or in the 2024 OSA Information Booklet.
Check out how to win in the Games category for a judges perspective.
Hear what our judges say about making a winning project.
Ken S., Crystal Investigations
What is the best part about being a judge?
The best part of being a judge is to see the high quality of some of the entries offered for the Crystal Investigation Project.
What makes a winning Crystal Investigations project?
A winning Crystal Investigation Project will usually have a very high quality crystal combined with required documentation.
Any tips or tricks?
Growing crystals on threads, under stable temperature conditions, with minimal movement, appears to be the best approach.
Sarah T., Posters
What is the best part about being a judge?
I enjoy seeing the hard work students have put into their projects. They show genuine interest and understanding. I love seeing the creativity put into individual projects and how each student has attempted the same task, with individuality.
What makes a winning Crystal Investigations project?
A winning poster has a clear scientific message, it catches the eye and grabs the attention of the reader. Posters that are neat, clearly planned out and share explicit scientific content are those posters we place in the winning pile!
Any tips or tricks?
Sometimes less is best. Don't fill your poster full of images, sometimes it's hard to follow along. Ask multiple people to give you warm and cool feedback and make changes accordingly.
Still stuck? Check out our Resources for Students page for even more advice!
OSA Ambassador - Nivaan
on 19/03/2024
We are excited to have Nivaan as an OSA Ambassador for 2024. Nivaan has been a participant for the past 4 years in many different categories, and has collected winning prizes for his Programming, Apps and Robotics entries. He is excited to share his passion for the competition and science...
Getting your child involved in the Oliphant Science Awards
on 07/03/2024
If your child is passionate about science, the Oliphant Science Awards is a great opportunity for them to explore this interest. Below are a few tips and thoughts from parents who have been involved in the competition: Let them find something they're passionate about and see how they can explore...
OSA Ambassador - Saheli
on 07/03/2024
We are excited to have Saheli as an OSA Ambassador for 2024. Shaeli has been participating in the competition for almost 10 years with over 20 projects submitted. She continues to foster her passion for science through the competition and is excited to share it with her peers. Get to...
OSA Ambassador - Sienna
on 07/03/2024
We are excited to welcome Sienna as an OSA Ambassador again for 2024. Sienna is an experienced Oliphant Science Award entrant and was also the recipient of the Tall Poppy Award in 2021 for her Scientific Inquiry entry. Get to know Sienna! How did you first get involved in OSA?...
OSA Ambassador - Jackson
on 07/03/2024
We are excited to have Jackson as an OSA Ambassador for 2024. Jackson has participated in the Oliphant Science Awards since 2018 and is one of our most passionate Programming, Apps and Robotics entrants. Get to know Jackson! How did you first get involved in OSA? I still remember it...
OSA Ambassador - Shaya
on 07/03/2024
We are excited to have Shaya as an OSA Ambassador for 2024. You may have seen Shaya before as she was our 2023 Trophy Winner for her Models & Inventions entry VAMOS. Shaya is an experienced entrant and is excited to share her passion for science. Get to know Shaya!...
RACI Crystal Growing Competition Winners
on 05/12/2023
This year, all winning and highly commended entries in Crystal Investigation from the Oliphant Science Awards were entered into the National RACI Crystal Growing Competition. We are excited to announce a number of winners from the competition this year! K-2 1st - Remy Durham, Annesley Junior School 2nd - Clara...
Bringing Back the Bandicoots to Frank Smith
on 25/09/2023
Coromandel Valley Primary School students and their science teacher Sarah Todd recently entered the Oliphant Science Awards Citizen Science category and won the primary years category! You can view their Citizen Science entry here. And you can track their journey through the process so far through some media articles below. ...
Past experience & Photography tips from Lila & Lara
on 12/07/2023
Lila and Lara, Wilderness School Check out the video Lila & Lara created to share their Oliphant Science Awards experience with you: We love science because you can experiment, test ideas and learn from you mistakes. Science is useful, for example it’s used in cooking and sports. We love learning...
How to Create a Successful OSA Project
on 05/07/2023
Ashleigh Fourie, Southern Vales Christian College – Morphett Vale OSA past projects and the steps to achieving it My first time presenting an Oliphant science project without a group / partner was last year and it was on the topic of creating Energy Transformation. I really enjoyed the process of...
Community is the Key to Success
on 28/06/2023
By Rachel Pillar, Brayden Wilson, Natasha Florance and Lenny Laver, Kangaroo Island Community Education 2022 was quite the year for Kangaroo Island Community Education (KICE) in the Oliphant Science Awards. After several years spent building the profile of the Awards at KICE and some great successes, forty-five KICE students registered...
Tips and Suggestions from a past OSA Winner
on 14/06/2023
Connor Wallace, Scotch College I love science! I’m sure you do too, that’s why you are also interested in the Oliphant Science Awards Competition (OSAC). I am in Year 6 and will be entering the OSAC for the sixth time this year. Each year, I find it quite difficult to...
Oliphant Science Awards Photography 2021
on 20/07/2022
Each year we like to present some of the standout individual images entered in the photography competition (randomly chosen). Here is a small selection, all of which came from projects that received either awards or which came highly commended. Perhaps this helps you with your projects. Photographer: Priti Jivtani, Eman...
Science Writing ideas
on 15/06/2022
Are you stuck on your Science Writing entry? Here are some great places to start or some resources to add to your current project! Click on the links below. Bioluminescence Have you been hunting for ghost mushrooms? We are proud to have the Clean Air Society of Australia & New...
Air Quality: Emissions and Monitoring
on 15/06/2022
We're excited to have the Clean Air Society of Australia & New Zealand sponsoring the Science Writing category this year! They have an amazing prize on offer for year 9-12 students for the best student entry from Science Writing or Scientific Inquiry that addresses Air Quality: Emissions and Monitoring. The...
Programming, Apps & Robotics appointments now open
on 14/06/2022
If you have registered a Programming, Apps & Robotics project for the Oliphant Science Awards, you are now able to book your appointment with our judges! Appointments can be booked online here. Don't forget that you also need to upload your report via our online project submission platform by Friday...
Judging the Models & Inventions Category
on 08/06/2022
What is it like to be a judge in the Oliphant Science Awards? We met some previous judges and asked them why they think the Oliphants are important, why they judge and whether they had any hints or tips for entrants. Models & Inventions Category Sam Moyle (Brighton Secondary School)...
Crystal Investigation: control of temperature
on 01/06/2022
by Ian McMahon The first article in the blog focussed on two of the principal factors that can affect the success of growing award winning crystals. These were the quality of the solute, alum – how pure is it? and the quality of the solvent, water - again related to...
2022 PRC STEM Competition Open Now!
on 25/05/2022
SASTA and the Oliphant Science Awards are proud to be partnering with Inspiring SA and the Premiers Reading Challenge (PRC) to support this year’s STEM Reading and Design Challenge. This competition challenges you to read about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in the lead up to National Science Week....
Judging the Games Category
on 11/05/2022
What is it like to be a judge in the Oliphant Science Awards? We met some previous judges and asked them why they think the Oliphants are important, why they judge and whether they had any hints or tips for entrants. Games Category Anita Trenwith (Uni SA Connect Team: SASTA...
Eugene Lee - Oliphant Science Trophy Winner 2021
on 04/05/2022
by Eugene Lee, Pedare Christian College I'm so honoured and privileged to have received the Oliphant Trophy. I’ve participated in the Oliphant Science Awards every year since I was a Year three student in 2017, where I won the Australian Institute of Physics Prize and First Place for my Models...
Crystal Investigation
on 27/04/2022
by Ian McMahon The substance, alum, is almost the principal factor for achieving some degree of success in growing good crystals. The percentage purity of the alum needs to be high so that contaminant particles do not disrupt the proper crystal formation. The source of alum therefore must be considered...
Country Schools: Participating in the Oliphant Science Awards
on 13/04/2022
The Oliphant Science Awards (OSA) are open for all South Australian schools to enter – whether that be entering individual students or entire student cohorts. We asked the Oliphant Coordinators from 3 different regional schools about their involvement with the competition. Here are their responses along with images of some...
Tall Poppy Award for Scientific Inquiry - Prize Winner's Experience
on 06/04/2022
by Sienna Hill My name is Sienna Hill, and I am a Year 10 student at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College. Through the Tall Poppy Award that I was awarded last year, I was gifted with a Science mentor – Professor Justin Chalker. Professor Chalker serves as the...
The Science of Weather and Bushfires
on 22/07/2021
by Chris Sedunary and Belinda Dunbar, CFS The science of weather is called meteorology. At the Country Fire Service, during bushfire season we have a staff member from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) with us throughout the season. Meteorologists study the weather and try to forecast it. Forecasting the weather...
Multimedia: the animation process
on 09/07/2021
by Asira Suetrong Are you thinking about using animation for your multimedia project? Asira provides insight into her process for animating her multimedia projects in the video below! If you're not sure where to start with your Multimedia project, check out Asira's first video which includes researching your idea and...
Priyanka’s five tips for a successful Science Inquiry!
on 08/07/2021
by Priyanka Thavarajah The first step to a successful Science Inquiry is the experiment itself. I have found that, especially in the higher years, doing an experiment around a current topic gives it purpose. Be creative with the set up to try and make the conditions as real as possible....
A short guide to Science Writing
on 01/07/2021
by Anita Suetrong Not sure where to start on your Science Writing entry? Check out Anita's tips for creating your entry in the video below! While you have to choose one of the 2021 Science Writing titles for your project, you have the freedom to write in any genre you...
1993/1994 Oliphant Science Awards Trophy Winner – Mark Hodson
on 29/06/2021
by Mark Hodson I was the first two-time winner of the Oliphant Science Awards, entering on both occasions in the computer category. The recognition and the opportunities that came with the award helped cement my love of systematic problem solving and computer programming, leading to an engineering career with international...
Regan's inspiring journey through OSA
on 24/06/2021
video by Regan Nelson Regan was first encouraged to enter the Oliphant Science Awards by his Reception teacher in 2011. He has entered a project every year since with a number of winning entries over the years! Regan always hated writing and when he was in Year 2 he was...
Bushfire Safety Tips for your Poster entry
on 11/06/2021
by Chris Sedunary and Belinda Dunbar, CFS Chris and Belinda from the CFS have put together some helpful hints for students making a 2021 poster entry about bushfire safety. You and your family's safety and survival during a bushfire can depend on how prepared you are, and the decisions you...
A Short Guide on how to Create a Scientific Inquiry Project
on 04/06/2021
by Raihanah Pranggono, 2020 Oliphant Trophy Winner Based on my own experience, the following steps might help you in the development of your very own Scientific Inquiry! Choose a research domain that is appealing to you: To do this, you can derive some bright ideas from a pastime that you...
2004 Oliphant Science Awards Trophy Winner - Alyssa Fitzpatrick
on 11/05/2021
by Alyssa Fitzpatrick The five test tubes sat in the corner of the lab benches, each containing different brightly coloured liquids. As the Year 10 students rushed into class, chattering amongst themselves after lunch, they were directed to each of the test tubes, and asked to smell them. Which was...
A Primary Years Student Perspective on the Oliphant Science Awards
on 04/05/2021
by Chloe Lambden (10 years old) Entering the Oliphant Science Awards (OSA), from Year 1 (2017), I have now been doing it for 5 years running. I have entered the categories of Science Writing, Crystal Investigation, Photography and Posters over that time. I like doing my projects and being lucky...
Photography from a judge's perspective
on 15/04/2021
by Elizabeth Anderson, Mitcham Girls High School Over the years of involvement with the Photography section of the Oliphant Science Awards I have been lucky enough to have judged work from Years 2 through 12 and to have supported our own students produce some outstanding work. It’s amazing the quality...
1995 Oliphant Science Awards Trophy Winner - Kyra Reznikov
on 05/04/2021
by Kyra Reznikov BE(Chem)(1st class Hons) LLB(with Hons) I have always liked solving puzzles and been curious about the world around me. I think that’s why I enjoy science, and it’s certainly why I love my job so much. Today I’m an environmental lawyer, and I wouldn’t be where I...
Multimedia: Researching your idea & script writing
on 01/04/2021
by Asira Suetrong Are you stuck on how to start your Multimedia Project? Asira provides some insights into her process for researching accurate information and tips & tricks for script writing in the video below. Firstly, check the category details (this applies to all categories)! Some important things to keep...
How to win in the Games category from a Judge's perspective
on 25/03/2021
by Dagmar Preusker The Oliphant Science Awards attract a very high standard of entries as well as a large number from right across South Australia, this means that unfortunately there isn’t the time to play every game and check them all for scientific content so a process of shortlisting occurs...
Memories from the Oliphant Science Awards
on 12/03/2021
Short stories from years gone by... Dr Matthew Sorell Senior Lecturer, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Adelaide I built a speech synthesiser in 1985 (possibly 1986) which won in whichever category it was in. Back then, speech synthesis was quite primitive and I was using a...
Programming, Apps & Robotics from a Judge's perspective
on 11/03/2021
by Glen Hutson Do you know what makes the Programming, Apps & Robotics category different to all the rest? It’s the interview! Most years I meet with students as they demonstrate and explain their creations. The Oliphant rules ask that you come and show us how it works and often...
How to get started with your Science Writing or Multimedia project
on 04/03/2021
by Asira & Anita Suetrong Are you thinking about entering the Oliphant Science Awards but you're not sure where to start? Asira & Anita have put together a video (below) that gives you an insight into their past winning entries and how they got started! Asira's past two Multimedia entries...
1981 Oliphant Science Awards winner - David Tilley
on 02/03/2021
by Dr David Tilley BSc (Hons) PhD Winning the inaugural Oliphant Science Awards in 1981 was a defining moment in my life. It led to many opportunities that I could only dream of. I undertook my entry into the Oliphant Science Awards while in Year 12 at the Mount Gambier...
Science Writing from a Judge's perspective
on 25/02/2021
by Glen Hutson Every year I sit for several weeks in August, reading the Science Writing entries for the Oliphant Science Awards. I’m judging. I’m assessing your submissions. But why? Why is Science Writing even a thing? Is it even a thing and what is it that we judges are...
Jackson's journey through Programming, Apps & Robotics
on 18/02/2021
by Jackson Burford Jackson is 9 years old and has entered the Programming, Apps & Robotics category of the Oliphant Science Awards for the last three years. He has been a finalist each year and came first in his age group in 2020. The Oliphant Science Awards gives me a...
Welcome to New Posters Category Sponsors for 2021!
on 16/02/2021
The Oliphant Science Awards would like to welcome a new joint sponsor to our 2021 competition. SA Country Fire Service (CFS) & Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) are now proud sponsors of the 2021 Oliphant Science Awards Posters Category. If you are thinking of creating a Poster this year,...
The creative process for the OSA trophy winning Scientific Inquiry entry for 2020!
on 11/02/2021
By Raihanah Pranggono My winning project was a scientific inquiry into the effects of disaccharides and monosaccharides on Saccharomyces cerevisiae’s (baker’s yeast) respiration rates. The results indicated that the monosaccharide fructose yielded the highest average concentration of carbon dioxide gas produced and S. cerevisiae respiration rate, followed by disaccharide sucrose,...
A Year in the Life of The 2019 Oliphant Science Awards Trophy!
on 30/11/2020
In 2019, Ms Phoebe Wood, a Year 6 student from Upper Sturt Primary School became the first Primary School student to be awarded The Oliphant Science Awards Trophy for her Model - Anchiornis Huxleyi! Phoebe has documented her adventures over the course of the year including some amazing media opportunities,...
Josephine's tips for poster making
on 06/08/2020
Are you in the process of putting together your Oliphant Science Awards Poster? Check out Josephine's tips for poster making below. Josephine Oehler is a senior student at Seymour College. She has placed entries in the Oliphant Science Awards every year since 2015. During this time Josephine has discovered an...
Photography Perspectives & Trade Secrets
on 30/07/2020
Are you trying to get the best shot for your Photography entry? Check out the videos below for some tips from Oliphant Science Awards entrants Toby Trenwith and Josephine Oehler in 'Photography Perspectives' and from some professional photographers in 'Photography Trade Secrets'. Also, make sure you have chosen one of...
Posters 2020 - The Science of Bushfires
on 28/07/2020
Previous Oliphant Science Awards School Coordinator, now Acting Manager Partners in Bushfire Safety at the South Australian Country Fire Service Chris Sedunary has put together the information below to help students completing a Poster in 2020 within the topic title of The Science of Bushfires! ‘Science informs us of many...
Phoebe's Top Tips for Making a Models & Inventions Project!
on 23/07/2020
Registered to make a Models & Inventions Project in this year's Oliphant Science Awards? Whether you are new at Model and Invention making or simply looking for support or ideas on how you could improve, this video from last year's Oliphant Trophy winner Phoebe Wood gives great insight to making...
Multimedia Memories
on 17/07/2020
Toby's first Oliphant Science Awards project was a Multimedia entry when he was in Year 5! In his video, he shares how he got started, some tips and tricks for creating a video and how he is sharing his knowledge with other OSA entrants. Follow Toby's journey in his Multimedia...
The Oliphant Science Awards: A parent coordinator perspective
on 14/07/2020
Jo Wood has 2 daughters who have submitted 14 entries over the past 5 years, in 6 different categories! Jo has also been a school coordinator so has a varied perspective to share in her video below. As a parent you can't do the work for them but you can...
Computer Programming, Apps & Robotics - tips to get started
on 10/07/2020
Are you submitting a Computer Programming, Apps and Robotics (CPA&R) entry this year? Check out the video below from Toby Trenwith, one of our CPA&R veterans, which walks you through the process of completing your entry! While the coding is important, make sure the product has a practical application, as...
Inspiration for your Science Writing project!
on 23/06/2020
Are you looking for a starting point for your Science Writing project? First of all have you chosen your title? Don't forget you can only write on one of the titles listed below: Climate Change; The Way Forward? Hidden Waves Does Radiation make Superheroes? Living on Mars Deep Blue: Innovations...
Hints and tips for creating a great OSA Scientific Inquiry project
on 18/06/2020
This week we have a great resource for those creating a Scientific Inquiry project in the Oliphant Science Awards, from Ms. Alexandra Stephenson (2016 Oliphant Trophy Winner)! In 2016, Alexandra wowed the judges with her Scientific Inquiry - Vibration Damping on the Cello by Cello Mutes! She also has been...
Oliphant Science Awards 2019 Trophy Winning Project Video
on 11/06/2020
The 2019 Oliphant Science Awards Trophy went to Ms. Phoebe Wood from Upper Sturt Primary School for her incredible Model & Invention of Anchiornis huxleyi. So SASTA has asked her to make a video of it, not only to inspire those budding young scientists but to provide some ideas of...
How to CRUISE Through the SASTA Oliphant Science Awards
on 01/06/2020
If you are making a Games Project this is the Guide for you! However the concepts, project planning and tips in this guide can of course be applied to most Oliphant Science Awards Projects! Past Oliphant Science Awards Trophy Winner and all around Oliphant legend Ms Amber Washington has created...
Video Entry Hints & Tips Video
on 27/04/2020
Have you considered adding video content to your Oliphant Science Awards Submission? While videos are a popular project choice for the Multimedia category, short videos can also be a great way to record and showcase other project submissions with the judges - especially for country/remote students. Here are just a...