[El Gato]

I wouldn't get too close to that thing, it likely emits lots of x-rays too. There was an article in Analog (Science Fiction/Science Fact magazine) some years ago describing such a reactor. Not really all that hard to build, but definitely a challenging science fair project, and way cool to.

SECOND PLACE?? what won first place??

I suspect it got second place because the first place entry showed more originality and/or better illustrated the scientific process.

[El Gato]

I wouldn't get too close to that thing, it likely emits lots of x-rays too.

Should have looked at the picture. The thing is inside a metal can, thus the need for the TV camera to see the plasma. Safer from X-Rays, and safer from a vacumn implosion as well, than a glass bell jar would be.