Scientists Get Challenge: Explain Sleep to Kids

MINEOLA, N.Y (AP) —
Alan Alda’s challenge to scientists: explain what is happening here to an 11-year-old.
Alan Alda’s challenge to scientists: explain what is happening here to an 11-year-old.

Part-time science professor Alan Alda has a new challenge for scientists: Explain sleep to an 11-year-old.

The New York native, who teaches at Stony Brook University on Long Island, started the annual “Flame Challenge” contest in 2011. It asks scientists to explain complex concepts in ways a child can understand.

The first year sought an answer to “What is a flame?” That was followed by challenges to explain time and color.

Scientists have until Feb. 13 to submit their answers about sleep in writing, video or graphics. The winning written and video or graphic entries will receive $1,000 cash prizes.

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