Australian Science Innovations

Big Science

There are two parts to Rio Tinto Big Science, the Big Science Competition and Big Science Online. We aim to enthuse students and encourage them to study science and consider science-based careers.

The Big Science Competition tests students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well their science knowledge. The Competition is a one-hour paper containing 30 multiple-choice questions.

New this year: test questions are written by the Australian Council for Educational Research, Australia’s leading organisation for educational research!

All participating students are given a certificate to recognise their achievement in the Competition, and top-scoring students are invited to a National Presentation Ceremony.

Last year, top-scoring students and an accompanying teacher or parent were flown to Canberra for a ceremony at the Australian National University. Science Minister Senator Kim Carr spoke at the Presentation.

Dr Alan Finkel congratulated high-scoring students in an address to the National Press Club, televised by ABC TV.

The Rio Tinto Big Science Competition began in 2005. Student registrations from all states of Australia and neighbouring countries in Asia have increased steadily.

Big Science Online is currently being reviewed and plans for its future will be announced when the review is complete. It is a free interactive program providing flexible, interesting activities ready to use in the secondary classroom.