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Putting their scientific skills to the test, St Matthews Catholic School students Jessica and Zacharie Nippress have got their audience's brains ticking with their 90 second film that has been listed as a finalist in a prestigious scientific competition.
The Nippress pair's 'Rebellious Water' entry has been listed as a finalist in the Australian Museum's Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize - Secondary competition which rewards excellence in the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science.
This year, entrants were tasked with exploring a concept, discovery or innovation, or test their own scientific hypothesis with a theme of 'water'.
Jessica and Zacharie seemingly impressed the judges with their engaging, educational and entertaining film that identifies and explores why water defies the rules of chemistry.
St Matthews Catholic School Science Coordinator Dr Louise Puslednik said not only is this recognition of the siblings' hard work, but also that country kids can hold their own.
"It's so fantastic, it's really exiting because they really are Australia's most prestigious science award, it's pretty cool," she said.
"They're really excited, they came in during COVID to film and I guess it was just a bit of a side project for them. It's a fantastic opportunity.
Their film was really great, it isn't just science, there's some humour.
- St Matthews Catholic School Science Coordinator, Dr Louise Puslednik
"I think it's really important that the film is not only scientific but also has a really lovely creative side to it.
"For them, it's sort of that recognition of country kids. There's this perception sometimes that country kids are behind their urban peers but for them, it just shows the strengths of students who are from these parts of the country.
"It's so fantastic they've been recognised and their hard work has really paid off."
The Eureka Prize winners will be announced during an interactive broadcast award show on Tuesday, November 24.