Two young brothers, Mathew and Luke Clifford of Our Lady of Fatima, Caringbah, took out the Education Association Australia (EAA) Most Promising Young Talent Award, Primary Division, in the K-2 age group of the State-wide Young Scientist competition on 26 October.

The brothers worked together to investigate the question, 'What type of exercise increases your heart rate the most?'

In investigating the science of sport with the help of their parents, Mathew and Luke found out that "the more activities we do the higher our heart rates are." The boys measured their heart rate with their dad's heart rate monitor whilst doing a variety of sports, from playing video games to football to climbing trees. In their investigation they concluded that "the activities which made us the most tired were the ones that increased out heart rate the most!"

Two Year 10 students from Patrician Brothers' College Fairfield, Jakov Miljak and Daniel Posposchil, also received awards in the Young Scientists Competition. Jakov achieved first place in the chemistry section, while Daniel won three awards, the Most Promising Young Talent Award, Best 3D Model, and a Highly Commended award.

The Young Scientist Award is run by the Science Teachers Association of New South Wales on a voluntary basis. It is an annual State-wide competition that has been running since 1981 and which asks students to conduct a comprehensive scientific investigation of their choice following the scientific method. Certificates for State winners are awarded at New South Wales Parliament House, and there are cash prizes in some categories.