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Physics STE(A)M Challenge
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Challenge

Check out our Virtual Science Fair and Challenge Winners!

Still want to learn more about the Physics of Waves? Check out our program resources, made for Scouts by Scouts. There are heaps of exciting activities for you and your Unit to try, covering everything from sound waves to gravity waves!

If you have a great idea for a STE(A)M project but didn't get to submit something for the Challenge, propose your idea as a Special Interest Area (SIA). It's never too late to explore the Physics of Waves!

If you need any help or have any questions, please send an email to the Challenge team at challenge@stemscouts.org.au.

Badges

Challenge Timeline

Challenge Instructions

Are you ready to take on the Scouts Physics STE(A)M Challenge? Follow these Challenge Instructions to complete your project:

  1. Read over all the Challenge Rules and Guidelines, and Judging Criteria. Make sure you understand how the rules will apply to you. Ask another Scout, Leader, or adult if you need help.
  2. Come up with an idea for a project! Talk to other Scouts, search online, and look through our National Science Week SciScouts Physics of Waves Program Resources for inspiration. Your STE(A)M project should be on the topic 'The Physics of Waves' and demonstrate how you understand waves from a STEM perspective. Remember to be creative!
  3. Consider if your project would meet the requirements of a Special Interest Area (SIA). If you believe it does, propose and discuss your project idea as an SIA with your Unit Council before continuing any further. Have a look on Terrain or ask your Leaders what the SIA requirements are for your section.
  4. Complete the Plan> questions on a Plan>Do>Review> form for your project. If you need help, ask your Unit, Leader, or another adult. You must use the Plan>Do>Review> form provided.
  5. Complete your project!
  6. Finish your Plan>Do>Review> form by completing the Review> questions. Read over your Plan>Do>Review> form and make sure you have answered all questions. If you need help, ask your Unit, Leader, or another adult.
  7. Before submitting your project, re-read all the Rules and Guidelines, Instructions, and Judging Criteria for the Challenge. Make sure your entry meets all the requirements and follows all the rules.
  8. All projects, and Plan>Do>Review> forms will be submitted as a PDF. If your project is digital, you will be able to upload it directly. If your project is physical, you will need to document your project, for example by taking a photo, to submit. Your project can be accompanied by annotations and explanations if you wish. Documented projects must include explanation.

Your project can be anything you like! The challenge is to find a creative way to present and explore the Physics of Waves.

Projects will be submitted into 5 categories: Posters, videos and photo stories, models, games, and other, however these categories are very broad. Think creatively about what type of project you could create for each of these categories. Let your imagination run wild!

Here are some ideas for each category to get you started. You are not limited to these suggestions, what other creative ideas can you come up with?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Challenge open to all sections?

It sure is! From Joeys to Rovers, we'd love to see your take on this year's theme.

Does my Challenge project have to be about the Physics of Waves?

Yes, for this Challenge we want to see the creative ways you learn about and present the Physics of Waves. If you have other ideas for STEM projects, consider proposing them as Special Interest Area projects.

Can the Scouts Physics STE(A)M Challenge count towards a badge?

Absolutely it can - your project may count towards a STEM and Innovation Special Interest Area! Make sure you propose your idea to your Unit Council before you start your project.

Do I have to write a scientific report?

No, but you can if you want! Your project can be absolutely anything! There are so many amazing and creative ways to present STEM, what ideas can you come up with?

How do I prepare my project as PDF?

Add all elements of your project to a single document. Any photos, video links, website URLs, written text etc., should all be in this document. You can then convert this document to a PDF, ready to enter the Challenge.

For Microsoft Suite users (e.g., Word, PowerPoint etc.), open your document and click on 'File' in the top left corner. Next click 'Save As,' and under the drop-down menu titled 'File Format,' click on PDF. A new document will now be created containing your project as a PDF. Make sure you pay attention to where you save your file to.

For Google Workspace users (e.g., Google Docs, Google Slides), open your document and click on 'File' in the top left corner. Next click 'Download,' and select 'PDF document (.pdf),' from the drop-down menu. Your project document should now save as a PDF to your downloads folder.

Depending on the program you are using the process of creating a PDF might be slightly different. Consider searching online how to convert to a PDF using your specific software: E.g., 'how do I save as a PDF using ___'

I'm still sure unsure about something; is there somewhere I can get help?

Of course! The Challenge team are here to help! Send us an email at challenge@stemscouts.org.au.

Make sure you also read the Challenge Rules and Guidelines, Judging Criteria, and website to try find the answer to your question. Or think about who else might be able to help. Would your Unit or Leaders be able to give you advice?

How do I propose my project as a Special Interest Area (SIA)?

Make sure you propose your project as an SIA before you start working on it. To propose an SIA, you will need to complete the Plan> stages of an SIA Project Planning sheet and then present your idea to your Unit Council for their approval. You can access the Project Planning sheet from the Scouts Australia Program Resources site, or you can complete one online if you're using Terrain.

Scouts Victoria have prepared some useful information about Special Interest Areas and useful resources for different sections to plan and develop your SIA projects.

Once you've completed your project, you will also have to Review> your SIA.

If you need more help proposing an SIA idea reach out to the Challenge team; We're more than happy to help!