SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2026 COMPETITION ARE NOW CLOSED,
HOWEVER SUBMISSIONS OF INVESTIGATIONS MAY BE MADE FOR 2027’S COMPETITION.
Mathematical investigations are an invaluable way for students to use what they’ve learned in the classroom in a hands-on way. They show how mathematics connects to the real world and help build important skills like critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and—when done in groups—teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
Students get the chance to tackle tricky questions, come up with their own ideas, and explain their thinking clearly with solid evidence. These investigations also let them explore maths beyond the curriculum and show creativity in how they approach problems.
Taking part in the SA Investigating with Mathematics Competition can boost a student’s academic profile, bring recognition to their school, and even earn monetary awards. More importantly, it helps students appreciate maths on a deeper level.
In the end, mathematical investigations provide a great chance to see the power of maths in action.
On this page:
>> Submit your Investigation – email MASA
Entries received until Wedneday 2 December will be judged at the students current year level in the 2027 cohort.
2027 Entries for that year level will be open from 11 January to 11 August 2027.
>> Parents, students and teachers reflect on their experiences in the 2024 Competition – YouTube
>> Our sponsors
Information on Undertaking the Competition
The Association has created a Padlet that it keeps up to date with resources and information about the Competition.
> Go to the Competition PadletÂ
Please also view the PowerPoint Presentation provided by the South Australian Competition Coordinators that includes an exmple investigation focused on mazes:
Project Information: This poster guideline sets out the terms of the competition.
- What is the competition?
- Who can enter?
- What is the purpose of the competition?
- What are the important dates to know?
Guidelines for Completing the Investigation: This A3 poster puts the key steps in developing and then seeing through an investigation.
Guidelines for Presenting the Investigation: This A3 poster sets out the nine recommended steps to lead the entrant to present a well constructed investigation.
100 Inspirational Titles is a list of possibilities that can spark each entrant’s imagination in their pursuit of an investigation.
NEW: The marking rubric will provide teachers and guardians of secondary school level competitors with an understanding of how the entrants’ markers will be assessing the submissions.
Examples from 2025
Year 3 Investigation
At the start of the project, most students hadn’t heard of stop motion before. They were excited to watch some example videos, which helped them understand what stop motion is and how it works. Students then had time to explore the app themselves, experimenting with taking photos and creating short clips. This hands-on experience helped them realise just how many photos are needed to make a smooth, glitch-free film, and sparked lots of curiosity and creative ideas.
Year 6 Investigation
In this investigation, three different pools costs were calculated to see which one was the most expensive. Maths areas in this are measurement (volume and area) and financial mathematics (costing). Three pools were designed, two with a flat base and one with an angled base. The pools were of different shapes.
Year 8 Investigation
Chess has been a well-known game for hundreds of years, with countless variations in the appearance and construction of its pieces. This new variation features a traditional board layout that replaces the usual black tiles with red ones. The designs also incorporate unique stylistic choices intended to give the pieces a distinct, personalised character.
Year 11 Investigation
The aim of this investigation is to model and analyse the structure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge using a range of mathematical functions. By applying quadratic, trigonometric, and alternative models, the investigation explores how mathematics can be used to represent real-world engineering structures. The focus is on estimating the total length of vertical steel cables required to support the bridge’s roadway, assessing the accuracy of each model, and evaluating the strengths and limitations of different mathematical approaches through the use of graphing technology such as DESMOS, spreadsheets such as Excel and the fx-CG50 AU scientific calculator.
Year 12 Investigation
Perceptrons have historically been the building block of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. A perceptron mimics neurons in the brains of living organisms. This is done by allowing programs to “learn” from its environment, rather than have programmed step-by-step instructions for every scenario it may face. This investigation explored several ways to produce perceptrons and will finalise a version with the real-world application of weeding out AI written texts from human produced ones. The perceptron constructed during this report can now analyse texts and determine, with high accuracy, the likelihood that it was plagiarised using Artificial Intelligence.
Ready to submit your Investigation? – Send to MASA
Please send your investigation to MASA at admin@masanet.com.au. Your Year level, and whether the Investigation was undertaken by; an individual, a group, or a class are to be identified by completing and submitting an entry cover sheet:
>> Years R to 6 entries (.docx)
>> Years 7 to 10 entries (.docx)
>> Years 11 and 12 entries (.docx)
Due date for 2026 Competition: Entries closed for the 2026 Competition on 12 August 2026
Due date for Semester 2 submissions: 2 December 2026
Parents, students and teachers reflect on their experiences in the 2024 Competition.
Sponsor of the Junior Competition Years R to 6 : Kumon Australia
The S.A. Investigating with Mathematics Competition’s primary school section is proudly supported by Kumon.
Kumon Mathematics is an after-school learning program focused on developing strong calculation skills and enabling students to advance to high school mathematics through self-learning, with the goal of encouraging independent learners.
The Kumon Method was developed by Toru Kumon, a Japanese high school mathematics teacher, who helped his son by creating worksheets to improve his calculation skills.
The Kumon program emphasises independent learning, with students working through worksheets at their own pace, supported by instructors who provide guidance and encouragement.
The Kumon Mathematics program aims to develop quick and precise calculation skills, which are crucial for success in higher-level mathematics courses.
Sponsor of Secondary Competition Years 7 to 10 : S.A. Department for Education
The S.A. Investigating with Mathematics Competition’s Years 7 to 10 sections are proudly supported by the South Australian Depatment for Education.
Public education is for every child and young person in every community across our state.
Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to nurture, develop and empower all South Australian children and young people with the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens and lifelong learners.
Our preschools and schools are the heart of local communities. They are safe, inclusive, and collaborative – a place where every child and young person is encouraged to contribute, develops positive relationships, has a say in their learning, and where their needs, interests and cultures are recognised and supported.
We are relentless in our ambition for all children and young people to enter the world beyond the classroom ready to learn and to create opportunities to live a satisfying and fulfilling life of their choosing.
When our children and young people thrive so does South Australia.
Sponsor of Senior Competition Years 11 and 12 : The Mathematical Association of South Australia
The S.A. Investigating with Mathematics Competition’s Years 11 and 12 sections are proudly supported by The Mathematical Association of South Australia.
The Mathematical Association of South Australia Inc. (MASA) is the South Australian affiliate of the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers Inc. (AAMT).
MASA’s membership spans all educational levels, from reception through to tertiary institutions.
The Association is committed to encouraging interest in mathematics and advocating for continuous improvement in its teaching and application. It serves as a vital platform for support and communication among educators, students, and schools. MASA also actively promotes the importance of mathematics as a significant field of study and encourages the development of mathematical learning at all levels.