Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/fanning-the-flame Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Behind the Scenes: Attacking Science Jargon in ‘Flame Challenge’ Science Jun 28, 2012 10:11 AM EDT In 1947, when film star Alan Alda was 11-years-old, he asked a teacher the seemingly innocuous question, “What is a flame?” The answer, “oxidation,” was thoroughly unsatisfying to young Alda. Fast forward to 2012. Out of that interaction has grown a contest called The Flame Challenge, designed to motivate scientists to work on their communication skills. Alda is host, scientists are participants and the judges: 6,000 11-year-olds. Our science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports on the project in a video report that we will post on our website on Friday. Stay tuned for that and the winning entry. But first, Miles joined us for a behind-the-scenes look at the piece, Alda’s Flame Challenge contest and the importance of battling jargon. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now
In 1947, when film star Alan Alda was 11-years-old, he asked a teacher the seemingly innocuous question, “What is a flame?” The answer, “oxidation,” was thoroughly unsatisfying to young Alda. Fast forward to 2012. Out of that interaction has grown a contest called The Flame Challenge, designed to motivate scientists to work on their communication skills. Alda is host, scientists are participants and the judges: 6,000 11-year-olds. Our science correspondent Miles O’Brien reports on the project in a video report that we will post on our website on Friday. Stay tuned for that and the winning entry. But first, Miles joined us for a behind-the-scenes look at the piece, Alda’s Flame Challenge contest and the importance of battling jargon. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now