Student's science video wins huge prize
Albertans, let's take a leaf from the academic performance of 17-year-old student Maryam Tsegaye and shrug off isolation and lockdowns with our own personal challenge.
Tsegaye is the first Canadian student to win the International Breakthrough Junior Challenge that invites students to create a three-minute video that explains a scientific principle to everyone.
“I had a lot of time over quarantine and decided to enter the contest for the fun of it,” says the Grade 12 student who attends Fort Mcmurray's École Mctavish Public High School.
“I didn't participate in the competition for four years, thinking my video editing wouldn't be good enough and that a video with professional-level production would win.”
More than 5,600 students from 124 countries entered the competition that won Tsegaye a $250,000 scholarship, $50,000 for the teacher who inspired her (Katherine Vladicka-davies) and $100,000 for a new school science lab.
Let us learn from Tsegaye and not hesitate on an idea.
With assurances a COVID-19 vaccine will be available for all Canadians this year, let's throw off any pandemic lethargy at the start of this New Year and act on a thought that could make us perhaps healthier or will benefit those around us.
Make it a task you will enjoy, a task easier than Tsegaye's, who in a feverish two weeks had to make a 180-second video explaining a concept or theory in life sciences, physics or math.
“I chose quantum tunnelling, which I had recently studied and found intriguing,” she said.
Tsegaye's inspiration was close at hand.
“I was watching my brother play this video game and he used a cheat code that let his character do a walk-through-walls hack,” she said in her video.
“He pushed himself against a barrier in the game, hit some buttons and boom, his character appeared on the other side. Imagine if you could walk through walls in real life — and it turns out you can, at a quantum level.”
Tsegaye was the subject of a Tweet from Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley who said: “I don't have the first clue what quantum tunnelling is but I'm glad Fort Mcmurray's Maryam Tsegaye is on it.”
Former American astronaut and competition judge Scott Kelley announced Tsegaye's win in a video link, adding: “Maryam's video is a prime example of how to cleverly simplify a complex idea, and she provided a remarkable explanation of quantum tunnelling.”
There is no complexity in doing something you have often considered. Just get going and tell me about it. I'll report on some who have launched a plan.
Tsegaye says she has started to apply to universities where she can pursue her love for science research. Should we commission T-shirt artwork of her flying through a seemingly impregnable wall as a superhero?
CURTAINS WILL OPEN
The Fringe Theatre has experienced “an incredibly challenging year,” but supporters should not worry about potential bankruptcy, says Fringe representative Megan Dart.
Financial concern was raised last week by Bob Westbury, who raised $1 million for the construction of the theatre later named for him and who annually stages major fundraising Fringe dinners.
“Like all charitable arts organizations across the country, the pandemic has had a devastating impact on our operations and it will take some time to recover,” said Dart.
“Thanks to the ongoing support of donors and the Canadian government, we have scaled back operations while keeping our core staff employed to ensure we continue serving our community and plan the 2021 festival.”
Cancellation this year cost the Fringe $3 million. To donate and help the biggest festival of its kind in North America, go to fringetheatre.ca/give.
CASA FOUNDATION'S 826 KM BIKE RIDE
Therapeutic counsellors tell us having a healthy hobby or goal will help us avoid frustration or worse, depression, during coronavirus times.
That's why I have registered for the CASA Foundation's 826-km bike ride from Kananaskis, over the Highwood Pass and through Waterton National Park to Cypress Hills.
Injuries have prevented me from bike touring this last couple of years, but I have started to cycle on an indoor trainer. Some 28 riders have already signed up for the July 11-18 ride and there are spots for many more looking for great camaraderie while helping families with a child who has a mental health issue. More info? Email me.