Young Sleek Geeks Explore ‘Energy’ At 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

Sydney, 31 July 2024: The Australian Museum (AM) today announced the six “Sleek Geeks” selected in the School Science category at Australia’s prestigious science awards, the 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.

The School Science category of the AM Eureka Prizes shines a spotlight on the country's most promising young scientists and science communicators from primary and high schools. Finalists in this category were selected based on their short video submissions centred around the theme of ‘Energy,’ with films exploring everything from the science behind popcorn popping to the vast energy processes within the Sun.

This year’s young Sleek Geeks have delved into the theme of ‘Energy’ with enthusiasm and originality. Their projects demonstrate how fundamental scientific principles can be applied to everyday phenomena and cosmic events alike. By tackling such diverse topics, these young innovators are making significant contributions to scientific dialogue and education, showcasing their ability to engage audiences with clear and creative communication.

Renowned science communicator Dr Karl said the Eureka Prizes are Australia’s only national science awards that celebrate excellence across the full spectrum of scientific endeavour, from young budding scientists to professional researchers.

“This year’s Sleek Geeks have brilliantly demonstrated how the concept of energy can be explored in diverse and imaginative ways, from the kitchen to the cosmos. Their work not only highlights their impressive scientific skills but also their ability to communicate complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner.”

“By nurturing their natural curiosity and encouraging evidence-based exploration, we are helping to build a brighter future for science in Australia,” Dr Karl said.

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Primary

Ayra A., Mascot Public School, NSW

With humour and everyday examples, such as toys and playground equipment, seven-year-old Arya explores complex energy concepts, including chemical, kinetic and gravitational potential. In The Energy in Everyday Things, she explains power generation and energy transfer, encouraging everyone to be mindful of their energy use. Her approach makes learning about energy fun and accessible.

Cate Y., PLC Sydney, NSW

In her fast-paced film about her favourite snack – popcorn – 11-year-old Cate conducts a series of experiments, including blowing the lid off a metal tin to show why popcorn kernels explode. Popcorn Magic: Unlocking the Energy Within covers different varieties of corn, energy and the laws of thermodynamics and solves the mystery of why some corn kernels don’t pop.

Eugenia Y., PLC Sydney, NSW

Eugenia hopes that her film Energy Adventure: Solar Panels at the Right Angle will inspire more people around the world to use solar power. The 10-year-old’s film explains why solar panels need to be angled differently in different parts of the world and conducts a comparative experiment in Sydney and southern New Zealand.

University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Secondary

Sophia L. and Scarlett P., Smiths Hill High School, NSW

In their dramatic film, Solar Superstorms, Year 7 students Sophia and Scarlett explain the energy behind solar superstorms and the cataclysmic effects if one was to hit Earth. They use dance, humour and special effects in a production that saw them participate in a NASA citizen science project and rise at 4am to film the sunrise.

Iestyn R., St John’s Anglican College, Qld

Fourteen-year-old Iestyn used animation software and his own illustrations to make Fusion – The Heart of the Sun. His film includes an overview of the proton-proton fusion process that occurs in the Sun’s core and shows how the Sun produces enormous amounts of energy – enough to power our planet’s processes and support life on Earth.

Lucy T., Lakes Grammar, NSW

Lucy’s modern and slick production, The Chemistry of Caffeine, looks at the science behind caffeine and the way it seems to provide energy. She explains how caffeine interferes with the adenosine receptors, which usually tell the brain we are tired and low on energy, therefore delaying or stopping our normal sleep response.

The AM Eureka Prizes offer $180,000 in total prize money across a diverse spectrum of science, from environmental sustainability to cutting-edge technology, citizen science initiatives, leadership, and mentoring. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, 4 September, at a ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall. A livestream of the awards will also be available online. Register for the livestream at australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

For more information and a full list of 2024 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes finalists: australian.museum/eurekaprizes.

Event details

• What: Australian Museum Eureka Prizes Award Ceremony
• Where: Sydney Town Hall, George St, Sydney.
• When: Wednesday 4 September 2024

Live broadcast from 7:30pm AEST via australian.museum/eurekaprizes

Interviews available with finalists

Media pack, including releases, finalist info, images and video HERE
#EurekaPrizes Twitter: @eurekaprizes Facebook: - @eurekaprizes

Media Enquiries

• Matt Fraser, Director of Communications, matt@originalspin.com.au / 0401 326 007
• Timothee Luong, communications advisor, timothee@originalspin.com.au / 0435 715 017
• Claire Vince, media advisor, Claire.vince@australian.museum / 0468 726 910

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and is the nation’s first museum. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM’s mission is to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. The AM commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and to continuing to develop world leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs. With more than 22 million objects and specimens and the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), the AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on some of the most pressing environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also an important site of cultural exchange and learning.