Primary Age Groups for 2020: Years K-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6
Category Awards (36 prizes)
(i) Working Scientifically: STANSW Scientific Investigation Awards (Science Teachers’ Association of New South Wales):
- Six of the best scientific investigations in Years K-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6
(ii) Working Technologically: OSHClub Inventions and Innovations Awards
- Three of the best inventions or innovative devices or ICT applications in Years K-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6
(iii) Working Mathematically: Working Mathematically Awards
- Three of the projects that best incorporate the interrelated components of Working Mathematically in their investigation or technology project in Years K-2, Years 3-4 and Years 5-6
| Age group | Working Scientifically | Working Technologically | Working Mathematically |
| Years K-2 | $100 for best 6 Scientific Investigations | $100 for best 3 Innovative Devices | $100 for 3 projects that best incorporate Working Mathematically |
| Years 3-4 | $125 for best 6 Scientific Investigations | $125 for best 3 Innovative Devices | $125 for 3 projects that best incorporate Working Mathematically |
| Years 5-6 | $150 for best 6 Scientific Investigations | $150 for best 3 Innovative Devices | $150 for 3 projects that best incorporate Working Mathematically |
STANSW Most Promising Awards (2 prizes)
Monetary prizes of $100 for projects that were not prizewinners but have the potential to develop into top-level projects.
Sponsored Awards (7 specific committed K-6 prizes and other possible committed K-12 prizes)
- AARNet Communications Award (Australia’s Academic and Research Network) Awarded to two Years K-6 entries in each of the categories of Working Scientifically, Working Technologically and Working Mathematically that incorporate the best use of electronic communications AARNet Electronic Communications Awards Judging Criteria
- RACI Chemistry Encouragement Award (Royal Australian Chemical Institute NSW) Awarded to a primary student demonstrating ability, skill and promise for chemistry RACI Chemistry Encouragement Award Criteria
- NMI Measurement Award (National Measurement Institute) Awarded to two Years K-12 entries in each of the categories of Working Scientifically, Working Technologically and Working Mathematically that demonstrate an excellent understanding of measurement NMI Measurement Award
- AIP Most Outstanding Physics Award (Australian Institute of Physics) For three K-12 students who best represents the theme, “Drones, Droids and Robots” AIP Most Outstanding Physics Award Criteria
- Sebel Testing and Evaluation Awards three K-12 students who incorporate the most extensive testing or evaluation routine in their investigation or innovation (still to be confirmed).
- Primary Environment Award – for the project that best addresses a significant environmental issue or adds to our understanding of the natural environment.
Grand Awards (2 prizes)
Primary Young Scientist
Budding Young Scientist
Certificates for everyone who enters:
High Distinction Certificate for every student who achieves a level 5 against the rubric.
Distinction Certificate for every student who achieves a level 4 against the rubric.
Credit Certificate for every student who achieves a level 3 against the rubric.
Certificate of Commendation for other state-level finalists.
Certificates of Participation for every student entry at school level.
2020 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards
(Subject to an announcement regarding the 2021 BHPSEA competition)
Most prizewinners and a selected number of highly commended entries will be invited to submit their entries into the national 2021 BHP Billiton Science and Engineering Awards.
Twenty-six finalists (high school only) will be selected to attend an all-expenses paid trip to attend a five day science camp in Melbourne, in February 2021.
Thanks go to our supporters for providing encouragement to students, teachers and schools and for making these prizes possible.