How would you explain, \u201cWhat is sound?\u201d to an 11-year-old?<\/p>\n
The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science is challenging scientists to answer that resounding question.<\/p>\n
BUSM, as an official affiliate of the Center, is calling on scientists, physicians and medical students to participate in the 2016 Flame Challenge, It offers a $1,000 cash prize for those who can explain complex science in a way that will awaken the interest of thousands of 11-year-olds.<\/p>\n
Children from around the world contributed hundreds of questions this year, and more than a dozen asked for an explanation of sound.<\/p>\n
\u201cI came up with this contest as a fun challenge for scientists to explain a complex thing like a flame in a way that would make it clear to an 11-year-old,\u201d said Alan Alda, an actor, writer and science advocate. \u201cThe idea was to urge scientists to communicate more clearly. I didn\u2019t realize what an extraordinary learning experience it was going to be for the 11-year-olds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many ways in which sounds affect us, so many ways that different animals use sound, and so many kinds of sound,\u201d Alda said. \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see how creatively scientists will explain exactly what sound is. The kids and I are all ears.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants have until Jan. 19<\/strong> to submit their answers in writing or video. In addition to the cash prize, the winning scientist(s) also will receive a trip to New York City where they will meet Alan Alda and be honored at the 2016 World Science Festival.<\/p>\n