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Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge

Upload your video entry by April 19, 2012

2012 Video Topics

Many of the greatest innovations of our time were first designed to solve a simple problem. This year's Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages young people to solve everyday problems using science and innovation. When you are working in the field of science, the opportunities are endless! Look around you - science is everywhere. Your innovative ideas just may revolutionize the way we live.

THE CHALLENGE
Specifically, students will be challenged to identify an everyday problem related to the way we move, the way we keep ourselves healthy, or the way we make a difference. The problem should directly impact them, their family, their community, or the global population. The idea must be a new innovation or solution, and cannot simply be a behavioral change or a new use for an existing product.

VIDEO SUBMISSION
The challenge is to create a one- to two- minute video that...

explains the problem and how it impacts them, their family, their community or the global population;
describes a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact the problem;
explains the science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics behind their innovation; and
illustrates how their innovation could both address the everyday problem they've identified and have a broader impact locally or globally.

THOUGHT STARTERS
The following are thought-starters within each category. Students are encouraged to consider one of these topics or come up with their own ideas within these categories.

The Way We Move
Millions of people around the globe are moving everyday-walking, biking, driving, taking the bus or ferry, or traveling on horseback, just to name a few.

What kinds of technologies, innovations, or solutions might:
Help reduce traffic accidents, jams or other transportation safety hazards?
Create greener transportation solutions that are less harmful to the environment? (electrical, natural gas, hybrid, etc)
Reduce your carbon footprint? And improve the energy to humans per mile ratio? (public transportation, natural gas powered vehicles, etc.)Improve airline screening and/or security tools to make air transportation safer and/or more efficient?
Make transportation more accessible to people with disabilities, limitations or challenges?

The Way We Keep Ourselves Healthy
From the ball field, to the living room, to the classroom, ensuring the health and safety of others is of paramount importance.

What kinds of technologies, innovations, or solutions might:
Ensure clean drinking water for all people across the world?
Detect and/or prevent food poisoning?
Prevent the spread of germs or illness when you're sick?
Improve the way drugs or vaccines are administered to treat disease or illness?
Ensure fruits and vegetables are kept fresh?

The Way We Make a Difference.
Science touches every part of our lives, especially in times of need.

What kinds of technologies, innovations, or solutions might:
Protect people in the event of an emergency? (for example, communications, shelter, first aid, clean air/water)
Reduce energy loss in homes and buildings so that less energy is used?
Improve the quality of life for people living in remote parts of the world?
Produce energy in ways that is least harmful to the environment?

Entries will be scored using the following judging criteria:

Creativity (ingenuity and innovative thinking) (30%);
Scientific knowledge (30%);
Persuasiveness and effective communication (20%); and
Overall presentation (20%).
In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8, and must submit a video entry online.

Students will be challenged to create a one- to two-minute video that explains their idea for a NEW invention intended to solve an everyday problem. Video entries must be related to the way we move, the way we keep ourselves healthy, or the way we make a difference.

Video entries must demonstrate the student's understanding of a scientific concept 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.

Video entries are due on April 19, 2012.

Judges will review the video submissions and choose 10 finalists and up to 51 merit winners: one from each state and the District of Columbia.

Students will be contacted via phone and/or email in early June if they are selected as a Finalist. State Merit Winners will be notified in mid-June.

Exclusive Summer Mentorship Program

The 10 finalists will be paired with 3M scientists to complete a summer assignment having to do with innovation. Together they will work virtually through pre-assigned objectives with resources and support provided by Discovery Education and 3M.

Final Event at 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota

In the fall, 10 finalists will receive a trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, during which they will present their completed "innovation" to a panel of judges.

Finalists will be judged on their scientific problem solving and communication skills.

2012 Student Prizes

Prizing

America's 2012 Top Young Scientist will be awarded $25,000 and other finalists will receive exciting prizes.
First Place

$25,000
The title of "America's Top Young Scientist"
A trip from Discovery Student Adventures
A Contest Trophy

Finalists

A trip for the student and ONE parent/guardian to competition finals
$1,000
A Contest Medal or Trophy
A chance to win a trip from Discovery Student Adventures AND a chance to win $25,000!

Six Second Prize Winners

"Excitations" for a $500 excursion, subject to terms at https://discovery.excitations.com/about/terms

Three Runner-Up Prize Winners

A trip from Discovery Student Adventures

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

3M Innovation Prize

Vermont Studio Center Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Fellowships

Four fellowships for visual artists and writers with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Each award includes a $500 stipend for travel and expenses during the residency and, if necessary, a stipend for room, board, and travel for a personal care assistant.

February 15, 2012 Awards Deadline

Vermont Studio Center
80 Pearl Street
P.O. Box 613
Johnson, Vermont 05656

Call for Applications: Eileen Sweeney Graduate Internship in Disability Policy

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 1, 2012

Honorarium: $3,500.00

Eileen P. Sweeney devoted her life to improving the lives of people with disabilities, children, battered women, the poor, and the elderly. Her early Washington career was devoted to disability issues and she played a key role in achieving the disability benefit reforms of 1983 and 1984. She subsequently turned her attention to other vulnerable populations, the needs of children, those served by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)program, and the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs.

The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), in partnership with the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) established the Eileen Sweeney Graduate Internship in honor and memory of Eileen. Graduate students aspiring to a career in social policy with a focus on disability are urged to apply for this 12-week summer semester internship. A student will be awarded the internship based on nationwide recruitment and a competitive selection process.

The Sweeney Graduate Intern will have the opportunity to:

Work with leading disability policy experts;
Gain valuable work experience; and
Make professional contacts and attend relevant seminars, and symposia.

The Sweeney Graduate Intern will be based at the National Academy of Social Insurance, 1776 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036.

NASI, as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization devoted to furthering knowledge and understanding of social insurance programs, is uniquely qualified to provide students with challenging internship opportunities. NASI’s members, recognized experts in social insurance and health policy, offer the interns access to information and experiences found nowhere else. This is a nationally-competitive program with only one placement made each year. Academic credit may be arranged through the intern’s college or university. International Students with valid student visas can be placed with non-governmental organizations, if placement projects match their skills and interests.

To apply for the Eileen Sweeney Graduate Internship in Disability Policy, please submit the following by March 1:

A completed Online Internship Application or a PDF Internship Application form

A one-page cover letter that explains your interest in the internship program and answers the following questions:

In your own words, how would you define social insurance and its role in your family’s life?
To what extent have you studied social insurance programs?
What special skills or qualifications will you bring to your placement?
On what types of assignments do you perform best? (e.g. research, writing, statistics, computer applications, organizing etc.)
How will this experience relate to your future career plans?

Resume

Official transcript (if you are a graduate student, submit a copy of your undergraduate and graduate course work to date)

Three professional and/or academic written letters of recommendation with contact information

A five to ten page writing sample which reflects the type and quality of work you have done

Mail to:

Internship Programs
National Academy of Social Insurance
1776 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036-1904

Application and materials must be received by March 1.

Completed applications will be considered by the selection committees for placements beginning in May or June.

Applications will be considered incomplete if any information is missing as of the deadline.

For additional information, contact NASI’s Internship Coordinator at (202) 452-8097 or internships@nasi.org.

Call for Nominations: 2012 Ruderman Prize in Disability to Support the Pursuit of Excellence and Innovation  in Services, Advocacy and Support of Jews with Disabilities Worldwide

The Ruderman Family Foundation has established the Ruderman Prize in Disability to support the pursuit of Excellence and Innovation, in services, advocacy and support of Jews with disabilities worldwide. The Foundation seeks to recognize organizations anywhere in the world that support the Foundation’s goals of: 1) promoting the full inclusion of all persons with disabilities; and 2) increasing public awareness of both the contributions and needs of persons with disabilities worldwide. The Foundation wants to invite nominations or applications by innovative, forward thinking organizations which provide or promote programs that raise awareness or promote inclusion for Jewish individuals with disabilities. From the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), people with disabilities are being recognized as having the same fundamental human rights as others in their countries, and as people deserving of dignity, respect and full inclusion into society at large. The Ruderman Family Foundation wishes to both honor and highlight efforts that help achieve the goals of inclusion into society, dignity and respect for the unique attributes and values of people with disabilities.

The Ruderman Family Foundation expects to make up to 10 awards and distribute up to $200,000 to Jewish organizations or organizations with unique Jewish programs. Individuals are not eligible. Eligibility is not limited to the geographic or programmatic areas or organizations the Foundation currently funds.

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE FOUNDATION
The Ruderman Family Foundation seeks to increase awareness of and works to improve the lives of people with special needs in Greater Boston, Israel and the United States through leadership projects done in partnership with Jewish organizations and foundations.

Applications are due March 15, 2012, by 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Applications received after that time will not be reviewed. Only applications submitted electronically will be considered for an award. The trustees of the Foundation expect to announce the awards in June 2012. Trustees may continue to request additional information after formal submissions in order

Diversity Dissertation Scholarship

This grant was established to encourage excellence in research within the field of psychology concerning issues of diversity such as varied ethnic backgrounds, women's issues, ageism, sexual orientation and disability.

Deadline: May 9, 2012

Sponsor: American Psychological Association of Graduate Students

Funds for this $1,500 grant must be used to support proposed research, rather than to reward a completed, or nearly completed dissertation. The recipient will be invited to serve on the selection committee for the following year's applicants. The APAGS Grant Selection Committee will review all abstracts. The winning applicant will be selected based upon the relevance of the study to diversity, with particular emphasis on important and emerging trends in the field; scholarly excellence, innovation and implications for theory, research and action; and methodological appropriateness.

APAGS grants are available to graduate student members of APAGS who are enrolled at least halftime as a student in good standing at a regionally accredited university. Students who join as a Graduate Student Affiliate are members of APAGS; students who are members of APA as undergraduate student affiliates, Associate Member or other member status must change their status to Graduate Student Affiliate prior to applying for this grant. Undergraduates are not eligible for these grants, nor are APAGS Committee members or task force chairs. Previous recipients of each award are not eligible to apply again for a period of five years.

How to Apply

Required Materials:

Title page that includes name of the grant for which you are applying, contact information for applicant (name, mailing address, phone number, email), university, area of research, expected graduation date, APA Membership number, and full name/email of your research mentor for your project.

A cover letter (not to exceed two pages, single spaced) that includes background information about the applicant, the dissertation, why the applicant believes s/he should be awarded the grant (e.g. relevance of the project to the grant), and the applicant’s future educational and professional goals.

An abbreviated curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages, single spaced).

An abbreviated research proposal (not to exceed three pages, single spaced) that includes specific aims, background and significance, proposed research methodology, implications of proposed research, and detailed budget.

Letter of recommendation (not to exceed two pages, single spaced) supporting your application that addresses your qualifications, how your project will benefit the discipline, and the likelihood that your research will help you meet your future educational and professional goals.

All materials must be submitted for an application to be considered. Any applications that exceed the page limits (e.g. over two pages in a vita, over 3 pages in a proposal, over two pages for a letter of recommendation) will not be scored.

If you are not an APAGS member at the time of submission, you may send a copy of the receipt you get when you join APAGS/APA electronically as proof of membership.

You may submit materials electronically or by mail. All materials must be submitted by noon ET on May 9, 2012.

For mail submissions, please send to:

Diversity Dissertation Grant
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242