String Theory in Two Minutes Or Less (contest)

In summary, this contest challenges people to create a two minute video explaining string theory in an easy to understand way. The best video will be featured on the Discover website.
  • #1
robphy
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FYI:
http://www.discover.com/twominutesorless/

String Theory in Two Minutes Or Less (contest)

THE CHALLENGE

Just over a century ago, Albert Einstein published three groundbreaking scientific papers in one year, anyone of which could have won him the Nobel Prize.

Taking a cue from The Great One, Discover.com is now challenging armchair theorists to produce a similar feat of inspired - and speedy - brilliance.

Your goal is to create a video that quickly and clearly explains perhaps the most baffling idea in the history of the world: string theory.

And the best part is that you have just two minutes.


THE OPPORTUNITY

The winning video will be selected by Columbia University physicist Brian Greene, best-selling author of The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, and broadcast via a prominent spot on the homepage of Discover.com.

The individual or team who submits the best video will be featured in an upcoming issue of Discover Magazine.


THE RULES

The video should present an accurate, basic understanding of string theory that will stick in the brains of relatively intelligent non-scientists.

You can use any teaching aides you like (props, animation, etc.)

Submissions will be accepted from individuals and teams (subject to the terms and conditions).

Don't go over the time limit.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE
12:00am EST, MARCH 16, 2007




for ideas, one might look at the results of another contest
https://www.physicsforums.com/blog/2005/12/03/pirelli-relativity-challenge-2005-winners-announced/
 
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  • #2
robphy said:
FYI:
Taking a cue from The Great One, Discover.com is now challenging armchair theorists to produce a similar feat of inspired - and speedy - brilliance.

Your goal is to create a video that quickly and clearly explains perhaps the most baffling idea in the history of the world: string theory.

And the best part is that you have just two minutes.
Similar feat of brilliance? what does making a pop-sci movie have anything to do with being a "brilliant" scientist?
 
  • #3
The contest description is taken from the website above.
I have no association with the contest.
I'm just reporting the opportunity.
 
  • #4
sounds like fun. I could write a screenplay, but I don't do video productions. Anybody want to try a collaboration?
 

1. What is String Theory?

String theory is a theoretical framework in physics that seeks to reconcile the conflicting theories of general relativity and quantum mechanics. It proposes that the fundamental building blocks of our universe are tiny, vibrating strings rather than point-like particles.

2. How does String Theory explain the universe?

String theory suggests that the universe is made up of multiple dimensions beyond the three we are familiar with. These dimensions are curled up and invisible to us, but the vibrations of the strings can interact with them, giving rise to the particles and forces we see in our world.

3. Is String Theory testable?

Currently, there is no experimental evidence to support string theory. However, there are ongoing efforts to test its predictions through particle colliders and observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation.

4. What is the significance of String Theory?

If proven to be correct, string theory could potentially provide a unified understanding of all the fundamental forces and particles in the universe. It also has the potential to explain phenomena that are currently unexplained, such as dark matter and dark energy.

5. Are there any challenges to String Theory?

One of the main challenges to string theory is that it requires extra dimensions, which are not currently observable. It also has an infinite number of possible solutions, making it difficult to test and verify. Additionally, some physicists argue that there may be other alternative theories that can explain the universe without the need for strings.

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