How to enter the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Overview

Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier national science competition for students in grades 5 through 8. The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to encourage the exploration of science and innovation among America's youth and to promote the importance of science communication. In 1999, Discovery Communications launched the competition to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. In 2008 3M joined forces with Discovery Education in a quest to nurture the next generation of American scientists with an innovative and interactive science program open to every middle school student in America. Over the last ten years, more than 600,000 middle school students have been nominated to participate in the competition, and winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, work with the nation's top scientists, and pursue academic careers in the sciences.

Process

In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8, and must submit a video entry (see below) online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com/registrations/index.cfm between January 15, 2009 and May 20, 2009.

Students will be challenged to create a one- to two-minute video about a specific scientific concept which they will select from a list of concepts provided by YSC judges.

Video entries must demonstrate the student's understanding of the scientific concept explained and should also exhibit his or her comfort level discussing science in general.

Videos do NOT need to be "produced" or have high production value. Judges are not evaluating production skills. Videos may be recorded on cell phones or simple digital cameras, for example. In addition, local libraries and schools may be able to loan cameras to students.

Videos will be screened to determine whether they meet all entry requirements and will then be presented to a panel of online judges.

Over the summer, judges from Faraday Studios will review the video submissions and choose up to 51 semifinalists: one from each state and the District of Columbia. Winning entries will be based on the average of scores awarded by a panel of judges using the following rubric.

• Creativity (20%)
• Content meets stated contest criteria (30%)
• Persuasiveness (10%)
• Classroom suitability (10%)
• Overall Presentation (30%)

The Finals

In the fall, 10 finalists receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York, NY for the competition finals, consisting of a series of challenges, some in which may be in front of a live audience. These age-appropriate challenges are developed and administered by Head Judge Steve Jacobs, science educator, creator of "Jake's Attic" and founder of Faraday Studios. Finalists will be judged on their communication and scientific problem solving skills. At the end of the competition, American's Top Young Scientist will be awarded $50,000 in U.S. savings bonds (a $25,000 cash value), and other finalists will receive exciting prizes.

Prizing

Semifinalists (up to 51 - one from each State and the District of Columbia)

• $250 Cash
• Tee-shirt
• Plaque for Middle School
• Plaque for Student's Teacher
• Certificate

Finalists (10 - chosen from the Semifinalists)

• An all expenses paid 2-night, 3-day trip, in late Sept., early Oct. for the student and ONE parent/guardian to New York, NY.
• $1,000
• A YSC Medal
• Special YSC finalist apparel
• A chance to win various prize trips (in the past we've sent students to Space Camp, on a trip with Rangers at a National Park , etc).

First Place

• All of the above (except for the $1,000) PLUS
• $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds (Cash value $25K)
• A trophy
• The title of "America's Top Young Scientist"