The annual AT&T Virtual Science Challenge is an online contest for Kentucky students in grades 5 through 10. The statewide contest encourages development of science, math, engineering and technology skills as students work individually or in teams to tackle unconventional science challenges and use video to post their solutions online, at www.virtualsciencechallenge.com.

The Louisville Science Center relies on Interactive Media Lab to provide exciting graphic and interactive online interfaces that excite and engage the young contestants. IML also handles the complex issues associated with trans-coding publishing, playback and voting systems that are programmed on the back end of the site. IML also addresses the privacy and security issues necessary for this young audience. It’s like running a miniature YouTube for future scientists.

The AT&T Foundation is the title sponsor of the contest for the third consecutive year. Additional funding is provided by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.

Contest categories include Arts + Sciences = Knowledge (ASK), this theme combines the arts used as a means of expression with the sciences, used as medium for understanding. Ideas or entries in this category might include writing and filming a documentary that addresses a science topic or creating an artistic project using the chemistry of light and color.

Another contest category is What If?, an open-ended topic inviting participants to ask “I wonder what will happen if….” Also this year, students can compete in SOS: Science of Survival, and propose a scenario, then explore tools and strategies they would use to ensure survival.

Below is a brief video explaining the site: