Art is everywhere in the sciences. It’s in forests, coral reefs and other habitat, in galaxies and nebulae, and in the processes that govern them all. If you find these things beautiful too, consider making and submitting some art to one of the Science x Art competitions on throughout National Science Week!
Seeds to Scenery Poetry
Can you write a short science poem? This year we are calling for your poems about seeds, plants and/or landscapes.
In Australia, we have vast regions of tropical forests, eucalyptus woods, mulga, mallee, saltbush and savanna landscapes to celebrate. Plants, their flowers and fruit, feed and support an amazing array of creatures too. So, this is a big topic!
Please email your poems to feedback@sciencerhymes.com.au by Friday 31st July. Include a poem title and your name, plus your town, school name and an adult name & email address for school-aged poets, so we can reply. A rhyming poem of up to 4 verses would be ideal (but others may be considered for publication). Published poems by children will be acknowledged by first name only (and school name where supplied).
Scientific Photography Competition
Science is everywhere – from the fish in the sea, to the camera in your pocket! The Adelaide Optics Chapter is back with its annual Scientific Photography Competition, and we invite the public to participate. With over $1000 in prizes to be won, we would love to see images you capture of science in action.
Each submission shall be accompanied by a 100-word explanation that details the science that you have captured with your camera. Tell us what makes the science you photographed exciting.
Prizes up for grabs include submissions that: are by young scientists, reflect or uplift indigenous scientific or cultural knowledge, are from those living in remote communities, and more, including People’s Choice Awards. Submissions to the photo competition will be on display at a free-to-attend exhibition at the Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) on the 28 August.
Submissions close on the 14 August: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/event/scientific-photography-competition-3/
International Chemistry and Art Competition
Have you ever wondered what chemistry looks like? Is it the sparkle of fireworks, the colours of a coral reef, the medicines that keep us healthy, or the clean energy that powers our future? Now it’s your chance to show the world through art.
The International Chemistry & Art Competition is a free, worldwide competition for young people aged 5-19 who love being creative and curious. Whether you enjoy painting, drawing, colouring, collage or mixed media, this is your opportunity to combine your imagination with the amazing world of chemistry.
This year’s exciting theme is Chemistry Powering Our Planet. Think about how chemistry helps solve real-world problems, protects our environment, creates new materials, develops life-saving medicines, produces clean energy, or inspires future inventions. There are so many ways chemistry makes our lives better—and we can’t wait to see your ideas brought to life through art!
You can enter on your own, or for the first time in 2026, work together on a group artwork with classmates. Best of all, it’s completely FREE to enter, and there are fantastic prizes to be won, including $500 cash for winners in each individual category and a $500 prize for the winning group, awarded to their school to support learning opportunities: https://www.raci.org.au/education-outreach/school-competitions/icaac