NPR is challenging young people to turn their summer daydreams into concrete proposals that might change the world.
“What’s Your Big Idea?” video contest launched this month and runs though August 12. It is open to ages 13 through 25.
The focus in on — but not limited to — capturing ideas that use science, math, engineering, or technology. Think broadly of issues related to the environment, public health, and social good.
Win or lose, it might just be that quirky experience high school students could write about in a college essay or a story to relay to a potential employer in a job interview. Perhaps you are bored with your summer job or just looking for a way to escape the heat, in any case it’s a creative outlet to consider.
So what is the prize? Fame, of course. And the chance to connect with a science and technology expert for feedback how to to make your dream into a possible reality. All entries will be featured on NPR’s YouTube channel. Finalists will be on the NPR website and Facebook.
In his blog, NPR’s Joe Palca notes that you don’t have to be a PhD or science geek to come up with a good proposal. Indeed, he lists the following ideas that came from high school students: Turning yard waste into hydrogen fuel, detecting cancer long before it shows up in traditional blood tests, and making radioactive isotopes in medical tests less dangerous.
To enter, upload your video to YouTube and complete a registration form online. Complete rules are here.