Learning for Life

The UNSW Bragg Prize is an annual award celebrating the best non-fiction science essay written by a student in years 7 – 10. The topic for this year’s competition is – ‘What is science?’

The UNSW Bragg Student Prize for Science Writing is designed to encourage and celebrate the next generation of science writers, researchers, and leaders. 

The Bragg Prizes are named after Australia’s very first Nobel Laureates, the father-and-son duo of William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg. In 1915 they won the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on the X-ray analysis of crystal structures. 

2022 Topic: What is science?

What do we mean by science? Science is defined as an intellectual and practical activity investigating the nature of the world and is characterised by the scientific method.

In this essay topic, you’ll explore what shapes your own interpretation of science by looking at your personal experiences, defining moments Science has played a part in, cultural perspectives, family conversations and experiences firsthand of how Science has impacted on life-long memories.

Craft an opinion piece, or historical or cultural research to inform and persuade your reader: what is Science and why do we need it?

Your 800-word essay might consist of:

– Reflections on First Nations science;

– Science through time; or

– How science is represented through traditional or social media.

References do not count towards the word count. 

The competition closes 5pm Friday 19 August 2022.

Prizes to be won: 

The winner will be awarded a $500 UNSW Bookshop voucher. Two runners up will receive $250 book vouchers.

The school with the most entries will win the following books from NewSouth Publishing:

· How to be a Writer by John Birmingham

· Space Warp by Fred Watson

· Kid Reporter: The Secret to Breaking News by Saffron Howden and Dhana Quinn

· The Best Australian Science Writing 2021 edited by Dyani Lewis

· Gum by Ashley Hay

For further information and terms and conditions, please visit https://careerswithstem.com.au/bragg-student-science-prize-2-2/#gsc.tab=0 and speak to Mr. Fab if you are interested in entering.

Fabiano Nigro

Literacy Learning Specialist