ScrapHeat Challenge 2025: Waste Warriors Take the Win

The 2025 ScrapHeat Challenge has wrapped up—and what an inspiring ride it has been! Over the past few months, students across Australia have been digging deep (literally and figuratively) to explore the science of biodegradation, teamwork, and sustainability. From composting food scraps to tracking changes in texture and appearance, every project shone a spotlight on the incredible creativity and determination of young minds.

This year’s national champion title goes to Waste Warriors, an all Grade 3 team from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School – Traralgon Campus. Team members Chloe Morris, Nivvvan Bhargavaa, and Audrey Ma impressed the judges with their clear scientific approach, innovative ideas, and powerful message about the importance of composting for healthier soils and a healthier planet.

Finalists Who Stood Out

Joining Waste Warriors in the top three were two outstanding finalist teams who made it an incredibly close competition:

• Aitken College (Greenvale, VIC) – represented by Zahara Khan and Saige Romeo, who showcased a creative and well-researched project.

• St Laurence’s Parish School, Forbes (NSW) – with Molly Betland, Leo Sheather, Frances Pereira, Lennie Stitt, and Faline Nicholls, whose teamwork and innovative thinking stood out.

These teams showed us just how much passion and talent exists in classrooms right across the country.

Celebrating the Teachers

Behind every brilliant student team is a teacher who inspires, supports, and makes the journey possible. This year’s winners and finalists were guided by some truly outstanding educators:

• Tegan Clavarino, who supported the Waste Warriors at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar.

• Dwayne Ganci, who guided Zahara and Saige at Aitken College.

• Jessica Eijkman, who led the St Laurence’s Parish School team in Forbes.

Without the dedication of these teachers, the students’ ideas and achievements would not have reached the heights we saw in this year’s Challenge. Their schools should be incredibly proud to have such passionate educators leading the way.

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Our Partners

A heartfelt thank you goes to our partner, Life Rocks, an amazing Aussie company creating nature-based education resources. Life Rocks generously provided the prize pack for this year’s ScrapHeat Challenge, helping us recognise and reward the incredible efforts of the students and teachers who took part. Their support makes challenges like this possible, and we’re proud to partner with a company that shares our vision of inspiring curiosity and care for the natural world.

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More Than Just a Competition

The ScrapHeat Challenge isn’t just about winning — it’s about giving students the chance to apply science to real-world problems, collaborate as a team, and present their ideas with confidence. Every school that took part has contributed to something bigger: sparking conversations about sustainability and showing that change can start with small, practical steps in our own communities.

See the Projects for Yourself

We’re thrilled to share that the finalist submissions can be viewed through our STEM Hub ACES Club. Explore the creativity, innovation, and hard work these students poured into their projects.

A Big Congratulations to All Teams

To every student and teacher who entered — thank you. Your submissions were outstanding, creative, and inspiring. Whether your project made it to the finals or not, the work you put in has made a difference. You are tomorrow’s STEM leaders, and the world needs your ideas.

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What’s Next

At STEM Hub, we’re always exploring new ways to spark curiosity and bring real-world STEM into classrooms across Australia. The ScrapHeat Challenge has been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next. From fresh challenges to exciting resources, there’s plenty on the horizon—so stay tuned.