We are pleased to share that the 10th annual - yes 10! - Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge officially opened for entries to students in grades 5-8 nationwide.  

Now through April 19, 2017, students can enter by submitting a 1-2-minute video which describes a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem. Idea starters encourage students to solve problems in the areas of Manufacturing, Energy, Safety, Healthcare, and Transportation however, entrants are not limited to these areas of focus. Students can win these exciting prizes:  

  • One Grand Prize Winner will be named "America's Top Young Scientist," receive $25,000, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a taping of a Discovery Network show. 
  • 10 Finalists will work one-on-one with a 3M Scientist during an exclusive summer mentorship. Plus, each of the Top 10 will be awarded $1,000 and a trip to 3M's World Headquarters in St. Paul, MN.
  • Up to 51 State Merit Winners will receive a technology prize pack valued at more than $250.  

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge targets students in the years when research indicates their interest in science begins to fade, and encourages them to explore scientific concepts and creatively communicate their findings. Each year, students nationwide are asked to create a short video describing a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem. To enter the video competition, students need to think critically about the world around them; identify an everyday problem relative to their lives; brainstorm real-world solutions using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles; and produce a 1-2-minute video explaining their innovative solution. Discovery Education and 3M prepare them for this authentic learning experience with engaging videos, interactives, science lesson plans and more which bring STEM to life.

In 2016, two Georgia students, Sara Makbaul and Will Paschal, became national finalists. Read their stories here. 

WHAT YOU CAN SHARE

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier middle school science competition that addresses the importance of the 4 C’s we see in education today - communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. It is the only middle school science competition that connects students with working scientists in a unique virtual mentoring experience, as they work through the scientific method to develop their entry idea into a working prototype. A student in YOUR district could be America’s 2017 Top Young Scientist! Students in grades 5-8 must create a 1-2-minute video that describes a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem that directly affects them, their families, their communities, and/or the global population. Video entries are due on April 19, 2017. Learn more about the challenge at www.YoungScientistChallenge.com.

Calling all curious minds and problem solvers! Now through April 19, 2018, students can enter the Young Scientist Challenge by submitting a 1-2-minute video which describes a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem. Idea starters encourage students to solve problems in the areas of Manufacturing, Energy, Safety, Healthcare, and Transportation; however, entrants are not limited to these areas of focus.

Students can win these exciting prizes:  

  • One Grand Prize Winner will be named "America's Top Young Scientist," receive $25,000, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a taping of a Discovery Network show. 

  • Three runner-ups will be awarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a taping of a Discovery Network show.

  • Honorable mention winners (total of six awarded) will receive “excitations” for a $500 excursion.

  • Ten finalists will work one-on-one with a 3M Scientist during an exclusive summer mentorship. Plus, each of the Top 10 will be awarded $1,000 and a trip to 3M's World Headquarters in St. Paul, MN.
  • Up to 51 State Merit Winners will receive a technology prize pack valued at more than $250.  

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge targets students in the years when research indicates their interest in science begins to fade, and encourages them to explore scientific concepts and creatively communicate their findings. Each year, students nationwide are asked to create a short video describing a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem. To enter the video competition, students need to think critically about the world around them; identify an everyday problem relative to their lives; brainstorm real-world solutions using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles; and produce a 1-2-minute video explaining their innovative solution. Discovery Education and 3M prepare them for this authentic learning experience with engaging videos, interactives, science lesson plans and more which bring STEM to life.

In 2016, two Georgia students, Sara Makbaul and Will Paschal, became national finalists. Read their stories here. 

WHAT YOU CAN SHARE

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier middle school science competition that addresses the importance of the 4 Cs we see in education today - communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. It is the only middle school science competition that connects students with working scientists in a unique virtual mentoring experience, as they work through the scientific method to develop their entry idea into a working prototype. A student in YOUR district could be America’s 2018 Top Young Scientist! Students in grades 5-8 must create a 1-2-minute video that describes a new invention or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem that directly affects them, their families, their communities, and/or the global population. Video entries are due on April 19, 2018. Learn more about the challenge at www.YoungScientistChallenge.com.