Alan Alda asks scientists to explain energy to children
By Associated Press
Oct 24, 2016 4:28 PM CDT
FILE - In this July 26, 2016 file photo, actor Alan Alda attends a special screening of "Equity", in New York. Alda wants scientists to answer a question for 11-year-old children: What is energy? He says it is important for scientists to be able to communicate complex concepts in a simple fashion. His...   (Associated Press)

STONY BROOK, N.Y. (AP) — Alan Alda wants scientists to answer a question for 11-year-old children: What is energy?

The actor is a visiting professor at the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University on eastern Long Island. He has been posing similar vexing questions to scientists since 2011.

He says it's important for scientists to be able to communicate complex concepts in simple terms.

He previously has sought simple definitions of time, color and sound. His first question sought a definition of a flame? His annual contest continues to be called the "Flame Challenge."

The judges are 11-year-olds around the world who access the contest online.

Winning scientists receive $1,000.