VICTORIA – Can infrared cameras be used to detect icy road conditions while driving? That is the question asked in a YouTube video entry by 13-year-old Edward Wong, the fourth semi-finalist selected in the Year of Science “Choose Science, Go Far, Win Big” contest.
Wong’s winning idea puts him in the running for the grand prize of a $25,000 scholarship to any BC post-secondary institution. He’s currently in Grade 8 at Kumsheen Secondary school in Lytton.
Wong’s concern stems from the high number of car accidents that occur every year on BC’s icy winter roads. In a few weeks, Science World will test his theory that infrared cameras should be able to measure cold because “everything emits heat.”
Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger presented Wong with his $250 prize package of science-themed items at Kumsheen Secondary school last week.
“I am very pleased to present this prize to Edward and congratulate him on his video submission,” said Krueger. “While drivers should always exercise extra caution during winter, I look forward to the experiment testing his hypothesis.”
Based on the popular TV show, MythBusters, the Year of Science video contest asks young people to upload videos of their ideas for science experiments or myths to be tested. All entries can be submitted to a dedicated Year of Science YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/yearofsciencebc
“Edward’s idea is a good one and I encourage other young students to indulge their curiosity about the world around them, come up with some other ideas and tell us about it,” said Dr. Moira Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “Every great invention began as someone’s idea and we want to encourage young people to think about the issues important to them, be curious and ask questions, and go out and look for answers.”