Is Your Child America’s Top Young Scientist? @3M #youngscientist #AD

This a sponsored post on behalf of 3M. All opinions stated are my own.

Science is something that has come a long way and will continue to evolve. When I was younger I learned about science of course but nothing like what my kids are learning. Now science is everywhere and STEM is a common word now. In case you haven’t heard of STEM it stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. I love that there is such a focus on those subjects for both boys and girls. I know STEM subjects are not for everyone but there is definitely a lot of curious little minds out there.

To encourage young minds, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is hosting the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5 to 8. Through the program, young inventors will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor. The little inventors will compete for $25,000 and hope to earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

The mission of the Young Scientist Challenge is to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when an interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education teamed up with 3M, one of the world’s most notable innovators – to grow the next generation of problem solvers and give students an opportunity to receive mentorship from 3M scientists.

How the Challenge Works:

• Now through April 20, 2016, participates must submit a one-to-two minute video describing the science behind a new innovation or a solution for an everyday problem.

• Judges will then evaluate the video entries through April and may based on creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation. Videos will not be judged on production skills, so yes even cell phones or basic digital cameras will do. This is nice to know as I have not entered my own children before because I was worried our video wouldn’t be up to snuff.

• The judges will announce ten finalists in the summer and these participants will be challenged to develop their innovations.

• The students will also participate in a mentorship on a one-on-one basis.

• Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016.

The Young Scientist Challenge makes science fun and brings inspires it outside the classroom. Kids have such unique ideas about how to improve everyday life. I know my own kids have made some great points on changing things or improving upon things. Its funny how kids see things differently than we do as adults. Their minds seem to have no limits. One of the 3M scientists said “Kids tend to think about the possibilities rather than the limitations of a problem.”

Since the inception, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student scholarships and prizes, paired students with world-renowned scientists to give them real-world insights and delivered much-needed resources to millions of students, teachers and families across the country. Previous winners have even met the President of the United States, addressed Congress and featured in Forbes magazine’s annual “30 Under 30” list. Some of the past projects by young scientists include an energy probe prototype that seeks to offer a stable power source to developing countries and a battery cell that uses carbon dioxide and other waste materials to help clear the atmosphere of greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young will be accepted through April 13, 2016. • Publish five (5) original social posts on your Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com. Submissions will be accepted through April 13, 2016.

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