YOUNG Bronwyn Murphy is a scientist in the making.
The grade three Kilmore Primary School student recently won the primary school Victorian division and the National dividion of the 2010 Australian Science Video Competition.
Her video, The Most Absorbent Cloth, was judged by two independent judges and was selected the winner from a total of 133 videos.
Bronwyn was required to produce a 60-second video on the science topic of her choice.
“I brainstormed some ideas and started thinking about waterproof clothes, but then I decided to see what sort of cloth was most absorbent,” she said.
“I made five scenes, using Windows Live Movie Maker. Then I made animated headings for each section, and edited each scene so they all fitted into 60 seconds.”
She said producing the video was not as easy as it sounds.
“The hardest thing was re-shooting scenes until I got the timing right. I also had to re-shoot the start because I showed the brand names and then checked the rules which said that wasn’t allowed,” she explained.
Bronwyn’s teacher Kylie Jeffs suggested she enter the competition as an extension activity to further her interest in science.
“I am very proud of Bronwyn and her achievements,” she said.
“When I heard about the competition I knew that it would be an excellent experience for Bronwyn - a way for her to extend her learning.”
The winners and runners-up for each state were announced in late November at the Victorian Information Technology Teachers’ Association (VITTA) Conference at the Caulfield Racecourse Conference Venue.
Bronwyn’s parents, Kylie and Steve, and her sister Sarah, attended the awards ceremony were thrilled by Bronwyn’s success.
“We’re very proud of her – both of our daughters. They’re confident and creative kids,” Mr Murphy said.
“Kilmore Primary’s great at providing motivated students opportunities to excel. They learn fantastic skills doing things like this,” Ms Murphy added.
Bronwyn won a trophy, certificate and $400 that she will use to purchase a camera, tripod and gifts for the school.
She hopes to study physics or geology after completing school.
All 2010 entries, including Bronwyn’s winning entry, and more information about the competition can be viewed at <www.60secondscience.net>.
