SciCast Physics
All the general SciCast rules apply, especially the one about not being boring but, in addition, to stand a chance of winning a SciCast Physics prize you should:
- Use your 2 minutes 30 seconds to explain a physics concept rather than just demonstrate it, eg tell us why you can stick a kebab skewer through an inflated balloon without it popping instead of just showing that it’s possible.
- Remember that the judges will be looking for creativity, imagination and ingenuity as well as an explanation that a non-scientist can easily understand. One of the judges will be a non-scientist and they must be convinced by your explanation and understand it correctly – the other judges will try to make sure of this!
- Keep in mind that films showing physics in a broader context, eg in life outside of the lab, will be rewarded.
- Remember that the physics must be correct! It might be better to explain an everyday phenomenon in terms of simple physics that you understand than attempt, for example, an explanation of the expansion of the universe.
- Consider whether you really need to include equations - many non-scientists are put off by them. If you want to use simple equations make sure that you explain them carefully.
- SciCast Physics (unlike the rest of the SciCast competition) is also open to entries from the Republic of Ireland.
SciCast Physics films will be judged regionally and your film will be allocated to the appropriate region based on the postcode you give on your entry form. The judging process for each region will be coordinated by the local Institute of Physics branch.
Judging panels will include a physicist, a non-scientist and a teacher. As well as receiving a regional prize, winners will then have the chance to win the national SciCast Physics award.
All SciCast Physics films will also be eligible for the other Planet SciCast prizes that will reward good film making techniques as well as good science.
If you have any questions about SciCast Physics please write directly to scicast.physics@iop.org
