06/05/2026
Know someone in grade 5 to 12 and interested in science?
Then let them know about this amazing opportunity!
🔥 Introducing GreenSTEM Ignite — and entries are now open for the 2026 Ignite Fair!
GreenSTEM Education is proud to present Ignite, our new National Science Week program and reimagined Burnie Science Fair — bringing together students, educators, industry, STEM communicators, organisations and the wider community for a week of curiosity, creativity, innovation and opportunity.
At the heart of Ignite is the Ignite Fair — the next evolution of the long and proud legacy of the UTAS Science and Engineering Awards and, most recently, the BIG Science Fair.
This is much more than a Science Fair.
It is a showcase of young people’s ideas, a celebration of STEM learning, and a powerful catalyst for future pathways across Tasmania.
📍 Burnie Arts
📅 Tuesday, August 18th (Secondary) | Wednesday, August 19th (Primary)
🌏 A National Science Week Event
Entries are open statewide to all young people in Grades 5–12, from any schooling background or context — government, Catholic, independent, home education, community learning programs and beyond.
Students can enter in any/each of three major categories:
🧪 Science Investigation
For students asking questions, testing ideas and using evidence to better understand the world. Projects may explore areas such as chemistry, physics, energy, astronomy, biology, health, behaviour, materials, sustainability and more.
🛠️ Engineering
For students identifying real-world problems and designing, building, testing and improving solutions. This category is perfect for prototypes, inventions, assistive technologies, environmental solutions, renewable energy ideas, transport, robotics, structures and practical design challenges.
🎮 Technology Enhances the Arts
For creative projects where technology is used to enhance expression, storytelling, design, communication, performance or audience experience. This could include games, interactive media, digital art, animation, music technology, 3D modelling, immersive experiences, creative coding and more.
And we have some huge reasons for schools to get involved early!
🚨 Dr Karl is coming to Burnie!
None other than Dr Karl will be at Parklands High School on Friday 14 August, delivering a free school show exclusively for schools participating in the Ignite Fair.
This is an incredible opportunity for young people on the North West Coast and across Tasmania to hear from one of Australia’s best-known and most-loved science communicators — and it is one more reason for schools to register now, plan ahead, and make the most of Ignite.
We are also thrilled that to announce that palaeontologist Sally Hurst and astrophysicist Jack Nibbs will be joining us at the Ignite Fair.
Sally’s first book, Found a Fossil, was released only last week — and schools that register for the Ignite Fair by the end of Week 2, Friday 15 May, will go into the draw to receive a free signed copy.
Throughout National Science Week, Ignite will also include other community STEM engagement events that GreenSTEM Education is hosting and supporting. The Ignite Fair will sit right at the centre of this broader program — connecting schools, industry, community, science communication and young people’s ideas in one powerful week.
We are deeply grateful to the sponsors and partners already helping make Ignite possible:
Inspiring Tasmania
Forico
Saputo
Lactalis-Mainland Dairy
Burnie Emu Bay Lions Club
Elphinstone Group
Anita Dow MP
Tasmanian Women in Agriculture
Roger Jaensch MP
Extractas Bioscience
We would love to welcome more sponsors, partners, volunteers, STEM professionals, educators and community supporters on board as Ignite grows into one of Tasmania’s leading STEM engagement events.
School registration and sponsor registration links are in the comments.
Volunteer registration will be opening soon.
Let’s ignite curiosity.
Let’s celebrate young people’s ideas.
Let’s build something extraordinary for Tasmania.
