Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize finalists announced

This year, students were asked to use the theme 'big' to create 2 minute films that communicate scientific concepts in accessible and engaging ways.

For their insightful, creative and amusing takes on the science of water, six finalists and 11 highly commended award winners have been anounced today in our University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prizes. 

The prizes are named after the Sleek Geeks - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Julius Sumner Miller Fellow at the University of Sydney, and Adam Spencer, Mathematics and Science Ambassador at the University of Sydney.    

All six finalists will find out which prize they have won on 24 November in the online Eureka Prizes ceremony. 

Primary school finalists

Leon H, from St Andrew's Cathedral School, NSW

A self-proclaimed car enthusiast, Leon was fascinated by how his tiny toy cars defied gravity and travelled upside down around a loop track without falling to the floor. In Tour de Force, he uses a delightful combination of demonstrations, illustration and performance to examine the role of centripetal force in this natural phenomenon.

Zara M, from PLC Sydney, NSW

Big Problem: Coral Bleaching is an entertaining investigation into one of the most widespread issues affecting coral reefs. Inspired by her passion for the ocean, Zara sets out to educate viewers on some of the main causes of coral bleaching, the scientific process behind it and ways that everyone can work together to help minimise the issue.

Scarlett O and Scarlett P, from Oak Flats Public School, NSW

If a super volcano erupted, the impacts would be widespread and catastrophic. In their film Super Volcanoes, Scarlett and Scarlett demonstrate the science behind these high magnitude eruptions and explain how they could be used as a source of power, providing green energy for future generations.

High school finalists

Jonathan D, from Townsville Grammar School, Qld

In Rewilding Earth, Jonathan discusses the implications of climate change and investigates how enhancing biodiversity could help address this pressing issue. Through a series of interviews, he shares community concerns about the future of climate change then draws on research to explain the process of rewilding.

Isaac N, Ethan P, Reuben R and Alex S, from Willetton Senior High School, WA

The square-cube law states that as an object increases in size, its mass grows at a faster rate than its surface area. After considering whether it would be possible for Godzilla to exist, Isaac, Ethan, Reuben and Alex apply this principle to explore how large an animal could realistically get. Their film Square-Cube Law is a comprehensive presentation of the group’s findings.

Sonya R, from Eltham High School, Vic

Have you ever contemplated what life would be like on Mars? In How to Get to Mars - A Big Question, Sonya uses clay modelling to explore a series of obstacles that humans would need to overcome before they could live on the Red Planet and proposes some practical solutions for each.

Highly Commended - primary school

• A Big Solution to a Big Problem, Ashley E. and Marni H., Annandale North Public School, NSW; and Matilda E., Wenona School, NSW
• Galapagos Tortoises, Vrinda K., PLC Sydney, NSW
• Paterson’s Curse, Lilian P., PLC Sydney, NSW,
• The Biome in Your Belly, Anna S., Homeschool, NSW
• Big Foamy Fountain, Kaiden S. and Luka S., Wahroonga Preparatory School, NSW
• Big Filter, Big Impact on our Mangroves, Neomi V. and Hannah Y., Abbotsleigh Junior School, NSW

Highly Commended - high school

• Triangles are 180 degrees and the Universe is Flat, Aditya A., Cumberland High School, NSW
• 100 Years of Science, Jaidon A., James K. and Josip L., St Francis Catholic College, NSW
• Life with Corals, Kesem B., Envirotech Education, Qld
• Super Blanky, Owen B., Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School, NSW
• Great Big Jet Engines, Yasiru P., Cherrybrook Technology High School, NSW