The latest Year of Science experiment at Science World concluded that an infrared camera can detect freezing road temperatures, but whether or not it's practical to check for icy road conditions while driving is a question that only time and further scientific enquiry will determine.

The experiment was based on the winning idea of Edward Wong, the fourth semi-finalist in the Year of Science's 'Choose Science, Go Far, Win Big' contest. Wong, who is now eligible for the grand prize $25,000 scholarship, is a 13-year-old student at Kumsheen Secondary school in Lytton. He will compete in the 50th Canada-Wide Science Fair later this month in Toronto.

The experiment was performed under the watchful eye of physics expert Dr. Andrzej Kotlicki, from the University of British Columbia's department of physics and astronomy, who helped explain the science behind the experiment.

Based on the popular TV show, MythBusters, the Year of Science's 'Choose Science, Go Far, Win Big' contest asked young people to upload videos of their ideas for science experiments or myths to be tested.

Quick Facts:

• The Year of Science scholarship contest closed April 30, 2011.
• In total, six semi-finalists will be chosen, all of whom will receive a $250 science-themed prize package.
• The winner of the $25,000 scholarship will be announced in June.

View the winning entry under "Results" on the Year of Science YouTube page:

www.youtube.com/yearofsciencebc

For more information on the Year of Science, go to: www.yearofsciencebc.ca

Contacts:

Lauren Mulholland
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 952-0615
Lauren.Mulholland@gov.bc.ca

Amanda McCuaig
Communications Coordinator
Science World
604 443-7470
amccuaig@scienceworld.ca