When Year 5 Santa Sabina College students Rosanna Cartwright and Elli Rugg wondered if red tinted lenses in swim goggles gave swimmers a competitive edge, they decided to test their theory.
The experiments they conducted and the video that accompanied these experiments made them one of two finalists in the Primary category for the University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize.
The University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize is awarded for a short film that communicates a scientific concept in an accessible and engaging way.
Entries took the form of a 1-3 minute film and had to tell a real scientific story, such as a scientific concept, discovery, invention, or the producer’s own scientific hypothesis!
“At our local swim club, some of the swimmers … say that wearing red-lensed goggles feels great and helps you swim faster,” says Rosanna. “We decided to investigate. In our film we show how the eyes and brain work together to see colour.”
Rosanna and Elli explain how seeing the colour red effects concentration, focus, blood pressure, pulse and energy levels.
Head of Primary at Santa Sabina College Sharon Portlock says “STEM teaching and learning experiences are so important for primary students as they arouse curiosity and ingenuity at a young age. Problem solving and an inquiry based approach to the teaching of Science allows students to construct meaning and refine their understanding.”
Winners will be announced at Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 31 August.
