String Theory in Two Minutes Or Less (contest)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a contest hosted by Discover.com, which invites participants to create a two-minute video explaining string theory. The conversation touches on the nature of the challenge, the expectations for submissions, and the potential for collaboration among participants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enthusiasm for the contest, viewing it as a fun opportunity to engage with string theory creatively.
  • One participant questions the comparison made between creating a pop-science video and the brilliance associated with scientific achievements, suggesting a disconnect between the two.
  • Another participant clarifies that they are merely sharing information about the contest and have no affiliation with it.
  • A participant offers to write a screenplay for the video but indicates a lack of skills in video production, seeking collaboration with others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varied opinions about the contest, with some showing excitement and others questioning the premise of the challenge. No consensus is reached regarding the value of the contest in relation to scientific brilliance.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into the specifics of string theory itself, focusing instead on the contest and participants' reactions to it.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in science communication, video production, or string theory may find this discussion relevant.

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/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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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?
 
The contest description is taken from the website above.
I have no association with the contest.
I'm just reporting the opportunity.
 
sounds like fun. I could write a screenplay, but I don't do video productions. Anybody want to try a collaboration?
 

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