The backers of the Breakthrough Prize have a new contest aimed at budding scientists, the New York Times reports.
This Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global contest aimed at students between the ages of 13 and 18, the Times says. Participants have until midnight on October 7th to submit a 10-minute long video that explains a concept from the life sciences, math, or physics.
In a sort of peer review, each contestant will then critique submissions made by at least five others. Past Breakthrough Prize winners and instructors from Khan Academy, a sponsor of the prize, will also evaluate the videos. The winner will receive a $250,000 scholarship, the teacher who inspired the winner will get $50,000, and the winner's school will receive a $100,000 science lab.
"The idea is to award people who can explain things in a new and innovative way, ways that can open up all of our minds," says Sal Khan, the Khan Academy founder.
The Times adds that funding for the prize comes from donations and grants from foundations set up by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, and Yuri and Julia Milner.