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
