2014 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary
Winner: Harry Driessen, Croydon Public School, NSW
The hills are alive with the science of music
A sixth-grader from Croydon Public School in NSW has won the University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Primary.
Harry Driessen’s video entry The Sound of Music explains what sound waves are, how we hear sound and how various stringed, woodwind and brass instruments produce notes of a different pitch.
Harry chose this topic because of his twin passions—science and music.
“I learned a lot by making this video and couldn't have done it without my Dad's help. I wrote the script by myself, but my Dad helped me to fix a few things up and to make it more entertaining. Julie Andrews provided the music!” said Harry.
Sponsored by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science, the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize, named in honour of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer, recognises short films that communicate a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way.
Harry’s short documentary was the favourite from films received Australia-wide to take out the primary school prize, which recognises excellence in communicating scientific ideas ‘painlessly’ or, as the Sleek Geeks like to say, “help people to learn something without even noticing”.
“Harry’s film obviously brings together two subjects close to his heart: music and science,” Director of the Australian Museum and CEO Kim McKay said. “As long as we have such passionate scientists coming through our schools, Australia’s scientific future is bright”.
The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards. The Eureka Prizes have been rewarding science since 1990—celebrating 25 years in 2014.
Second prize in the primary section of the Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize went to year-six student Ella Cuthbert from Majura Primary (ACT). What colour is a tree in the dark? is an enlightening exploration of what makes trees look green and apples look red.
Contact Eureka Prizes
Please contact us on (02) 9320 6483 or via email.
Eureka Prizes homepage
