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Junior Scientists Crush 2025 Spring School

The 2025 Junior Science Olympiad Spring School was held over ten days in early October at Mungga-Iri Jingee Academy Of Future Skills in Canberra. Mungga-Iri Jingee means ‘touch the stars’ in the Ngunnawal language, apt for our young science stars.

Following the completion of the Junior Science Olympiad (JSO) Exams in June this year, 24 high-achieving eligible students were selected and offered a place at the residential school. These dedicated, hardworking students come from across Australia to undertake ten days of accelerated, hands-on learning.

The 2025 JSO Spring School, held at an exciting new venue, offered Australia’s brightest young science students a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge, build critical scientific skills, and connect with experts and peers from across the country. This immersive residential program fosters a passion for science through intensive lessons in chemistry, biology, and physics. Six outstanding students from this cohort are selected for the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) team.

Students strengthen their theoretical understanding and practical abilities through experiments, such as modelling different variables that affect the rate of chemical reactions, and crushing a can using a ping pong ball. One of exciting experiments undertaken was using sand to visualise 2-dimensional standing waves on Chladni plates. The patterns are produced by using a violin bow to produce the resonant frequencies of the Chladni plate.

Each day involves lessons, labs and practicals. After dinner, there is a daily quiz to help boost understanding of the content taught, and brings an element of fun after a full day. Time is allocated for open tutorial sessions, where students can undertake further self-directed study and ask questions of the mentors, further consolidating the day’s learning.

Besides learning through interactive experiments, the students also go on excursions, such as to Mt Stromlo Observatory, where they experienced a fascinating tour of the facilities and equipment guided by astronomers, followed by the fun of stargazing. Thanks to Grace McGinness who gave the students an insightful tour through the Space Test Facility.

The group had a magical twilight at the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Night Tour guided by expert naturalists, spotting nocturnal native wildlife within the predator-proof fence that shields the sanctuary. Games night provided a fun break from study, with the students and staff enjoying board games together.

The last day came around too soon for our budding scientists. After stretching their legs with a walk in the park on Saturday, the students explored the science-based fun activities at Questacon. The Closing Ceremony was held that evening, and certificates were presented to participants. ASI Chair, Associate Professor Stella Clark, was on hand to congratulate the students. In a ‘hands up’ survey, Stella asked the students about their nerves on arrival and their confidence now, the friendships they had made, and who was ready to sleep in their own bed again!

“This week has been about more than just solving complex problems or memorizing facts. It’s about learning how to think critically, collaborate with others, and approach challenges with curiosity and persistence. These are skills that will serve you long after you leave here,” Stella expressed to the students in her speech.

Guest speaker, Dr Tristan Reekie, enthralled the audience with his experiences with the Science Olympiads and his current research. Tristan is co-inventor at Kinoxis therapies, lecturer at UNSW and and former Deputy Director of the Australian Chemistry Olympiad Program. He started as a tutor for our Chemistry Olympiads students in January 2008, and took on the role of Deputy Program Director in 2016, retiring in 2024. During his time with ASI, Tristan led five Australian Chemistry Olympiad teams at the International Chemistry Olympiad around the world. Thank you Tristan for inspiring our young scientists!

JSO Spring School would not have been possible without the effort, time, and guidance of all the JSO staff during these ten amazing days in October. Congratulations to Co-Program Directors of the Junior Science Olympiad Program, Dr Tammy Humphrey and Suren Mendis, on the success of Spring School. Thank you to our teachers and tutors, Caroline, Athu, Elizabeth, Kelvin, and Jacinta. The skills, knowledge and experiences gained by each participant are due to the dedication of everyone involved. Watch our short video to meet Kelvin!

Thank you to ACT Government for supporting us to use Mungga-Iri Jingee Academy Of Future Skills at Caroline Chisholm School, whose amazing facilities enhanced the experience for all. Thank you to Dr Kym Turnball, Director of the Academy of Future Skills, and her team for all their support.

Thank you to Burgmann Anglican School for allowing us to borrow equipment and use chemicals which were critical to the experiments and practicals.

Thank you to Stile and 3M for your ongoing support.

Australian Science Innovations is proud to deliver the Junior Science Olympiad program.