Students are encouraged to develop projects that contribute to building a better future for Victoria. Projects may take a variety of forms, including:

-Live or working models

-Scientific prototypes or inventions

-Digital or physical installations

-Interactive presentations or demonstrations

-Project themes may span areas such as:

-Environmental sustainability

-Renewable energy

-Health and wellbeing

-Smart and emerging technologies

-Simple machines and applied physics

-Community-focused innovation

These themes are indicative rather than restrictive. Students are encouraged to pursue original ideas that address real-world challenges relevant to their interests and communities.

Eligibility

Open to all students aged from 13 to 18 in Victorian schools.

**Visitor Note:** Due to limited seating capacity, a maximum of 2 adults per participant family will be permitted to attend. Registration is compulsory for all visitors, as spots are strictly limited and entry cannot be guaranteed without prior registration.

Science

sSudents will be able to: 1. Knowledge and Understanding - Explore core concepts across diverse fields including environmental sustainability, renewable energy, health and wellbeing, emerging technologies, applied physics, and community innovation. - Recognise how scientific principles, technology, and creative design can be applied to address real-world challenges relevant to local communities and the wider state of Victoria. - Understand the link between individual/student-led action and building a more sustainable, inclusive, and progressive future. 2. Cognitive and Creative Skills -Identify and analyse practical problems or needs in their communities and develop original, purpose-driven solutions. -Apply critical thinking and innovation to design projects in varied formats – such as models, prototypes, installations, or interactive presentations – moving beyond existing ideas to create new approaches. -Plan and structure a project from concept to finished output, selecting appropriate methods, tools, and formats to communicate and implement their ideas effectively. 3. Practical and Technical Skills -Gain hands-on experience in designing and building working models, scientific prototypes, digital or physical installations. -Develop skills in creating interactive presentations or demonstrations to explain complex ideas clearly and engagingly. -Apply technical knowledge and creative making skills to turn abstract concepts into tangible projects. 4. Personal and Social Capabilities -Cultivate initiative, independence, and ownership of their learning by pursuing original ideas aligned with their own interests. -Build responsibility and civic awareness by focusing on solutions that benefit communities and contribute to collective progress. -Strengthen confidence in communicating and advocating for positive change through their work. 5. Attitudes and Values -Develop a sense of purpose and agency in shaping a better future for Victoria. -Foster curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness by exploring themes beyond predefined boundaries and embracing new possibilities. -Appreciate the value of innovation combined with empathy – ensuring solutions are practical, inclusive, and responsive to real human and environmental needs.