Budding young scientists and top tier science students from across Australia will be recognised in the ASTA iCubed Awards Ceremony, held on Tuesday 25 March, with two Armidale students among the attendees.
The iCubed Awards program celebrates inquiry, innovation, and ingenuity of Australian school students of STEM, with Science Teachers Associations (STAs) in every state and territory nominating the highest standard science projects from each region for consideration in the national competition.
Local students, Hamish McMillan and Nevada Guiance have been chosen to represent New South Wales at the national level after being recognised at the state-level Young Scientist Awards Program.
Hamish of Armidale City Public School was named Primary Young Scientist of the Year and Nevada of PLC Armidale was named Runner Up Regional Young Scientist of the Year at The Young Scientist Awards Ceremony, hosted by the Science Teachers’ Association of NSW.
Hamish’s project, “How to Spot a robot” investigated how well people can identify AI images when put under time pressure. He used 12 AI-generated images and 12 real images and surveyed 464 people across a range of ages. Nevada’s project explored experimental confirmation of the Inner Filter Effect, determining the quenching mechanism of a coumarin fluorophore by ascorbate. Both are excited to represent New South Wales at the national level.
Vice President of The Science Teachers’ Association of NSW, Lauren McKnight, says the awards provide an incredible platform for students to showcase their scientific curiosity, thinking and creativity.
“The iCubed entrants haven’t just learned about science, they’ve conducted authentic research and innovation projects that tackle real-world challenges. From healthcare breakthroughs to sustainable energy solutions, their work demonstrates the power of curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity.”
Young Scientist will be open for submissions again in late April via the website. Parents and teachers are encouraged to support students in completing and entering projects. The program provides an opportunity for students of all backgrounds to showcase their scientific talents and creativity, in turn motivating the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem solvers. Thanks to generous program sponsors, over $20,000 in prizes will be awarded.
The Science Teachers’ Association of NSW offers a suite of professional development opportunities for regional teachers looking to enhance their teaching in science, with virtual workshops, events, and resources available via the website: https://stansw.asn.au/.
Photos supplied by Science Teachers Association NSW.
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