Little Grove Primary School student Josie Barras honoured with award in Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize

An 11-year-old filmmaker is the current pride of Little Grove Primary School, after her short film detailing the effects of climate change on coral spawning was honoured in Australia’s leading science awards. Year 6 student Josie Barras was thrilled to receive a highly commended prize in the Australian Museum’s Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize competition for her video, Coral Spawning: Keeping our Oceans Alive. The only primary school student from WA to be honoured, Josie was among 11 other young creators to be awarded a commendation for the University of Sydney-sponsored prize. Following the brief to explain a scientific concept in an “accessible and engaging way”, Josie took the 2025 theme of “above and below” to another level, using a DIY green screen to superimpose herself exploring the oceans’ depths. Stop-motion claymation, hand-drawn graphics and good old-fashioned piece-to-camera shots on Albany’s beaches made up the rest of the video, which Josie said took several weeks to research, script, film and edit. “It was in the summertime, so we were going to the beach a lot,” she said. “We were watching a documentary about the Great Barrier Reef and I thought that would be a good idea and we go snorkelling a lot. “I researched a lot about coral spawning, which is when coral reproduces and sends little bits of stuff to other places, like to regenerate, and how climate change is effecting that. “We went to a beach near our house, and Goode Beach and Fisheries Beach to film. “It was challenging, but in a good way.” Little Grove Primary School deputy principal Allison Lilly praised Josie for showing “remarkable perseverance and creativity” throughout the project’s creation. “Throughout the project, she exemplified our school values: resilience in editing her work, openness to learning new skills, responsibility in meeting all requirements, and deep respect for our Little Grove environment — clearly shown through her chosen topic,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of her achievement and the way she represented both herself and our school on a national stage. “Congratulations Josie, this is an outstanding achievement.“ Though the 11 highly commended entries and three finalists were announced on Wednesday, Josie said some people were made aware of her placing a bit earlier. “My Mum and Dad found out six weeks ago but had to keep it a secret from me, they weren’t allowed to tell anyone,” she said. “I was very excited when they told me.” Comprising more than 20 awards across the fields of research and innovation, leadership, science engagement and school science, the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the country’s most comprehensive national science awards, with the winners to be announced on September 3. Josie’s film can be viewed on the Australian Museum’s YouTube channel.