Break Through Junior Challenge
Competition Description:
To take part in the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, create a short 2-minute video explaining a complicated scientific theory, concept, or principle in a simple, lighthearted way. The big concept needs to be in the fields of physics, mathematics, or life sciences. The short video can be in any form you like; some past examples include animation, talking head, documentary, etc. It is encouraged to keep the video in a few different media, with diagrams, simulations, and demonstrations that make the video more engaging.
Overall rating: smt Credibility rating: smt
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Judging criteria include engagement, illumination, creativity, and difficulty. There are many examples of past winners on the official website.
Engagement: did the video capture the viewer’s attention and make the viewer want to watch to the end?
Illumination: did the video explain the concept clearly with a rigorous dive into the subject matter?
Creativity: Is the video innovative and creative?
Difficulty: Is the subject challenging and typically taught at high school level or beyond?
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May 11: website opens for applications
September 15: application and video submission deadline (at 11:50pm Pacific Daylight Time)
September 17-30: need to score at least 5 other submissions by September 30, during the Peer to Peer Review.
October 1-3: administrative review
October 4-25: the Evaluation Panel will score and judge the top 75 submissions
October 26-November 18: Challenge staff will review and verify the submission
November 24-December 9: Popular vote challenge, every individual can vote for submission they like.
December 10: Announcement of popular vote top scorer and posting of finalists and regional champions.
Prizes: 250,000$ for each winner (student), 50,000$ for their teacher!