Getting Started with Your Oliphant project

Saheli Dissanayake, Seymour College

I have been participating in the Oliphant Science Awards since Reception and have taken part in various categories including multimedia, posters, computer programming, science writing and models and inventions. Through the Oliphant Science Awards I have been able to explore such a vast set of topics from drones to carbon footprints and the human brain.

I would like to share a few tips I have gathered over the years through doing the Oliphant Science Awards.

1. Make sure you are passionate about your project. It is particularly important because you are going to enjoy the experience so much more when you have a genuine interest for what you are creating.
2. One of the most useful resources that I think you can use is the Oliphant Science Awards Page. Make sure you read all of the information available for your category and really understand the expectations and criteria you have to meet. This will ensure that you are really delivering what is expected from that category.
3. Make sure you have a plan going into the start of your project. This helps keep you on track and will make the process much less overwhelming.
4. This competition gives you a huge amount of freedom. Use it. What I like about the Oliphant Science Awards is the balance between freedom and structure in the competition. You can really step out of your comfort zone and try something new in just about any form you can think of and there is so much room for experimentation and personalization. This means you can make the most of the opportunity and hopefully have a really great time exploring topics you enjoy in the process. 
5. Enjoy the process! Like anything, the road won’t always be smooth. You will face challenges along the way. Make sure to learn from the mistakes and curve balls you face and don’t let them discourage you.

At the end of the day make sure you are satisfied that you put your best foot forward and gave it your all. Making the most of opportunities like the Oliphant Science Awards teaches you so many skills from time management and organization to creativity and critical thinking. I couldn’t recommend participating in this competition more.