2015 - 2016
What is NSTF? NSTF is an organisation with a philanthropic dimension founded in 1977. NSTF that is directly in touch with a number of Maltese students through the various educational programmes it organizes each year strives to provide a unique non-formal educational experience. NSTF’s prominent programmes include the NSTF Mini European Assembly, NSTF – Science and NSTF Malta Student Psychology Forum. These programmes complement the educational efforts of local primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary educational institutions. The Foundation also encourages young people to travel and participate in international events, as NSTF believes that travel experiences are an integral part of one’s educational process and a way to engage in society through these local and overseas experiences. NSTF also regularly executes deeds of a philanthropic character associated with the restoration and preservation of Malta’s cultural heritage.
Who can participate in the NSTF Programmes? Students from the young age of 6 can start participating in the NSTF Programmes. In Primary and Secondary level, students can start venturing into the world of Science, and eventually participate in Psychology and European related programmes. Where can I apply? Applications can be found on the website www.nstfmalta.eu . Application forms must be complete by the given deadline and rules and regulations must be followed. Applications that do not abide by the rules and regulations will not be accepted For more information contact NSTF on 25588 241 or info@nstfmalta.eu
Post Secondary and Tertiary School Level
NSTF, in collaboration with Beta Psi and the Psychology Department at University, launched the Malta Student Psychology Forum (MSPF) which targets all students interested in psychology and social wellbeing. The aim of the MSPF is to encourage research, analysis, presentation and debate on psychological topics to help encourage them to see the importance of psychology in one’s everyday life. In teams of two, students give a short presentation on the topic at hand and a debate will take place on said presentation, all of which is adjudicated by a panel of expert judges. The winners participate in Youth exchanges and psychology related conferences.
Open to: Sixth form and First Year University/ MCAST students Teams: Up to 2 students Deadline to apply: 30th October 2015 Facebook: NSTF Malta Student Psychology Forum Information: info@nstfmalta.eu
Post Secondary and Tertiary School Level
The NSTF Mini European Assembly is a debating forum which simulates the European Parliament. During the sessions, various issues related to European Affairs and Youth Policy are discussed through the political perspective of the European country represented by the team at both committee meetings and plenary sessions. Each team, of 5 students, represents a member country of the European Union and presents itself in the Assembly in the name of that country. An adviser guides each team in research, debating skills, presentations report writing and the formulation of the resolution. Participants are evaluated throughout the year by an adjudicating panel and the winners participate in a Prize Tour to the major European Institutions in Brussels. Open to: Sixth form and First Year University/ MCAST students Teams: Up to 5 students Deadline to apply: 30th October 2015 Facebook: NSTF Mini European Assembly Information: mea@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Post Secondary and Tertiary School Level
The Malta Student Science Forum (MSSF) was established in 1994. The main objective is to provide students aged between sixteen and twenty one years with the opportunity to train in research, analysis and presentation, public speaking, debate, mutual respect, current science affairs, and to complement their formal science education through discussion on relevant scientific, environmental and technological topics through their scientific and ethical aspects. Students form groups and debate various scientific issues over 6 sessions. Each session is addressed by a guest speaker specialised in the field being discussed. Winners participate in the London International Youth Science Forum and the International Wildlife Research Week.
Open to:Sixth form and First Year University/ MCAST students Teams:Up to 2 students Deadline to apply:30th October 2015 Facebook:NSTF Science Information:science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Secondary, Post Secondary and Tertiary School Level
The main objective of the Contest for Young Scientists is to encourage students aged 14 to 21 to be original and creative in conducting scientific research and developing a scientific or technological project. Students can either work individually or in teams to research and develop their own original project which is then exhibited during the NSTF Science Expo. In 1997, the Ministry of Education nominated NSTF as the National Organisers of the EU Contest for Young Scientists organised by the EU Commission. A write up is also presented to NSTF prior to the Expo which includes pictures and a detailed description of the project. Participating students are invited to attend the NSTF Science Expo to explain their project to visiting students, guests and judges. As a result, the team placing first represents Malta at the EU Contest for Young Scientists. Open to: 14 to 21 year olds Teams: Up to 3 students Deadline to apply: 29th January 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science Information: science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Secondary School Level
The NSTF School Contest for Young Scientists (SCYS) encourages young students aged eleven to fourteen to participate in scientific activity and involve themselves hands-on to discover the world of science around them through research and experimentation. Students team up and conduct research and design a model on a scientific topic of their choice. This project is then exhibited during the NSTF Science Expo and presented to other visiting students, judges and the general public with no intervention from teachers or parents. A 10 page write up is also presented to NSTF prior to the Expo. This includes pictures and a detailed description of the project itself. Winners may participate in the Belgian Science Expo or other educational visits.
Open to: Students in Forms 1 – 4 Teams: Up to 3 students Deadline for schools to apply: 29th January 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science Information: science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Secondary School Level
The British Council, together with NSTF, launched a competition for students from Form 1 to Form 4. School Lab invites students to team up and record a 3 to 5 minute video where they talk about any scientific topic. This topic can be the same as their School Contest for Young Scientists topic. School Lab inspires students to learn more about science and be able to communicate science, as well as make their school experience creative and fun. The winners receive a certificate of participation. Past videos can be found on our YouTube channel NSTF.
Open to: Students in Forms 1 – 4 Teams: Up to 3 students Deadline for schools to apply: 1st February 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science YouTube: NSTF Information: science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Primary School Level
The Science Art Contest (SAC) was launched in 2002. Its main objective is “to encourage young school children in grades 1, 2 and 3 to express their ideas of selected Science themes in a creative manner through art.” Through this educational programme primary school children create an illustration on the chosen theme by using any form of artistic medium, to portray a message of the selected theme. On each Artwork, students must include the title of their project, their name, age and school. Teachers are requested to provide a list of students’ names when submitting the projects. The best artworks as determined by the panel of NSTF Judges are exhibited during the NSTF Science Expo. The students who present the best drawing from each school are awarded a prize related to science. Themes will be announced in September 2015. Open to: Students in year 1, 2 and 3 Deadline for schools to apply: 29th January 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science Information: primary.science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Primary School Level
The NSTF Primary School Contest for Young Scientists (PSCYS) was launched in 2013. The Objectives of the PSCYS is to encourage young students from the ages of 8 to 10 to participate in scientific activity and get involved with Science subjects hands-on to discover the science of the world around them through basic research and experimentation. Students create an experiment or conduct a scientific research study which is showcased at the NSTF Science Expo with minimal intervention from the parents and teachers. The winners are given a science kit or a scientific book and a certificate. Open to: Students in year 4, 5 and 6 Teams: Up to 3 students Deadline for schools to apply: 29th January 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science Information: primary.science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
Any Age
The NSTF Science Photo Contest (SPC) is a programme launched in 2013 through which students and youths discover science through photography. Participants are encouraged to present a photo, along with a scientific title and a scientific description in English. The photos should depict any scientific phenomenon, natural life or any setting in the field of astronomy to follow the themes: • Scientific phenomena • Aeronautic & Space • Fauna. The best photos are displayed during the NSTF Science Expo and uploaded onto the NSTF Science Facebook page and are sent to the MILSET Science Photo Contest. For examples kindly visit our Facebook Page NSTF – Science. Open to: All students Deadline to apply: 1st February 2016 Facebook: NSTF Science Information: science@nstfmalta.eu / info@nstfmalta.eu
For more information web: www.nstfmalta.eu Facebook: NSTF Twitter: @NSTFMalta email: info@nstfmalta.eu telephone: +356 2558 8241