Problems
The problems in the Perth Young Scientist Tournament are hands-on science challenges that help you think like a real scientist. They are inspired by international science competitions such as the International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) and the International Young Naturalists’ Tournament (IYNT).
There is no single right answer. You will ask questions, plan simple experiments, make observations, and explain what you find. You are encouraged to be curious, creative, and willing to try different ideas, using evidence from your investigations to support your conclusions.
Problems 2026
1
Pot-in-pot refrigerator
The ‘pot-in-pot refrigerator’ is a device that keeps food cool using the principle of evaporative cooling. It consists of a pot placed inside a bigger pot with the space between them filled with a wet porous material, e.g. sand. How might one achieve the best cooling effect?
2
Levitation
A light ball (e.g. a Ping-Pong ball) can be supported on an upward airstream. The airstream can be tilted yet still support the ball. Investigate the effect and optimise the system to produce the maximum angle of tilt that results in a stable ball position.
3
Zinc layers
If a copper coin and small granules of zinc are immersed into a solution of zinc sulphate and then heated, a layer of zinc appears on the coin. What is the thickness of the zinc layer? What other metals can be covered with zinc in such an experiment? Investigate and explain the effect.
4
Water and vegetable oil do not mix and form two layers in a beaker. It is possible to fill the beaker with many more layers of immiscible fluids. How many layers can you obtain?
Liquid layers
5
Binaural hearing is the ability to hear in both ears and detect sound direction and sound distance. Make experiments to determine how precisely members of your team estimate the distance of the source and what direction a sound is coming from.
Binaural hearing