‘Pisay’ student enters semifinals of global science tilt, asks for help

A student from the Philippine Science High School-Eastern Visayas Campus in Palo, Leyte made it to the semifinals of 2016 Breakthrough Junior Challenge, an annual global competition for students “to inspire creative thinking about science.”

The entry of 17-year-old Hillary Diane Andales, the only Filipino semifinalist, is one of 30 videos vying for a spot in the finals through the popular vote challenge. Organized by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation, the contest gathered original videos from students around the world that “bring to life a concept or theory in the life sciences, physics or mathematics.”

Andales’ entry was about Feynman’s path integral formulation of quantum physics. Submissions will be judged based on the “student’s ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in engaging, illuminating, and imaginative ways.”

In the said challenge, viewers have the chance to vote for their favorite entry and bring it to the final round of judging. They have until Nov. 9 to like and share their favorite video of semifinalists posted on the Breakthrough Prize Facebook page.

The entry with the highest total of likes, shares and positive reactions will advance to the finals.

The winner of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge will be announced live at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Dec. 4.

The winner will receive $250,000 worth of college scholarship, $100,000 Breakthrough Prize Lab for the school and $50,000 Teacher Inspiration Prize. YG/RAM