Books & Literature

What Do Science, Food & Poetry Have in Common?

The annual RiAus Sci-ku competition is back in August 2014 with a food theme, providing an easy and fun way for students and adults to get involved in National Science Week.

10333795_10152561666036462_7097404821924024842_oThe Sci-ku Competition melds modern science with the ancient haiku form of poetry, and enters its fifth year with a deliberately broad theme. Entries (which are submitted online) must be received by Sunday 24 August 2014 – the last day of National Science Week.

‘This year we’ve chosen food as our theme, allowing entrants a lot more creative scope, and the ability to choose a topic about which they’re passionate’, said Kiran Groom, Programs Co-ordinator at RiAus. ‘You can write about the reactions that happen when you cook, about nutrition, or even food sustainability; the possibilities are endless’.

Celebrity cook Maggie Beer took the opportunity to raise awareness of food sustainability with her Sci-ku:

Thought for food
Is food for thought
Let’s think sustainably

The topic also ties to the National Science Week schools’ theme of Food for our Future and the UN’s International Year of Family Farming.

There are three competition entry categories, Primary, Secondary and Open, ensuring that everyone can be involved.

‘Sci-ku entry is free, giving people across Australia the chance to participate’, Kiran said. ‘The Primary and Secondary prize-winners will also have their poems published in CSIRO’s The Helix magazine!’ All winning Sci-ku poems will feature on the RiAus website.

Prizes in the competition include Kindles (or other e-readers), book vouchers and some ABC Natural History DVDs. Winners will be announced on Friday 29 August 2014.

What is a Sci-ku?
Inspired by the Japanese haiku, a Sci-ku is a short three-line poem about science. Sci-ku is a small and humble poem that aims to give a flash of insight — like a scientific ‘Eureka!’ moment, expressed briefly in words. A haiku is often 17 syllables long, written in a 5-7-5 format, although this restriction doesn’t apply to a Sci-ku.

For full details including the entry form, rules and prizes visit: riaus.org.au/sci-ku

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