It’s so important for students to have opportunities in the STEM fields and be able to have hands-on experiences with the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These types of engaging investigations inspire children in the areas of developing technological advances and healthy competition. As a middle school educator, I have had the chance to see first-hand the learning and connecting that takes place when students are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum such as this.
Recently, I had the opportunity to help my son with his sixth-grade science project which focused on simulating the Rock Cycle using melted crayons in various stages. It was inspiring to see the look of joy on his face as he progressed through the phases of his experiment and was able to prove his hypothesis. Being an educator, I realize that these experiences allow students to bridge the gap between their prior knowledge and the conclusions that they draw. It certainly promotes a higher order level of thinking.
3M, a science-based company with a passion for creative collaboration that inspires powerful technologies, making life better, and Discovery Education is sponsoring The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge! This is the perfect opportunity for students who are interested in science to explore scientific concepts and creatively articulate their findings. 3M and Discovery Education are committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of American scientists who will make legendary strides in science and technology.
The thing that makes The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge different from other science competitions is that the ten challenge finalists will each be paired with a 3M scientist mentor. That is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these young people to be mentored by experts in the science field who can guide them. Final projects will be presented to a panel of judges at the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center in October.
CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO ENTER!
One winner will receive $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Aside from the prestige of receiving such a title, past Challenge winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, work with the nation’s premier scientists, participate in the White House Science Fair, meet the President and pursue academic careers in the sciences.
COMPETITION TIMELINE:
-
April 21st – Video Entry Deadline (LAST DAY TO SUBMIT ENTRY!) – Middle school students are asked to create a one to two-minute video communicating the science behind a possible solution for an everyday problem.
-
June/July – Ten finalists will be announced and have an exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist during a summer mentorship program, during which they were challenged to create an innovation which solves a problem in society. State Merit Winners are also announced at this time.
-
October: Finalists will demonstrate their scientific innovation and creativity in a series of challenges at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, MN.
So don’t wait! If you have a Young Scientist in your family who is in middle school, head over and enter them in The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge by clicking HERE! Also, make sure you connect with them on Facebook so you can learn more ways to support the budding scientists in your family! You never know, you might be inspiring the next generation of innovations that will make life better for all of us!
Let’s Discuss: Why do you think STEM Education is important to inspiring young scientists?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign created in collaboration with 3M. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2015, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
Science is an important part of any education system and kids need to be encouraged and helped to develop a keen sense of its value at an early age… Sadly, as you know, it’s not always the case. 🙂
Both of my boys love STEM projects. They are both really into science and math, both of which are stills they will be able to grow as they get older!
I think it is so wonderful that the ten challenge finalists will each be paired with a 3M scientist mentor. That is going to mean so much to these 10 young inspiring scientists.
Wow! My sons would love this! What a fun challenge. Inspires imagination, creativity and someone is going to win a really great prize. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hey, that’s no prize to sneeze at, how exciting! I’m lucky my kids have all four liked Science. Even the youngest loves to experiment with it (hands-on being such a great way to learn!).
Both of my girls love science, but we hadn’t heard of this promotion. Definitely going to sit down with them and read about it together.
Oh Wow this is an awesome competition! Reminds me of the Science Fair when I was a kid.
I want to an Engineering College for my degrees and definitely promote STEM to my own child. This is a great program and I love the impact that it will have on young scientists and engineers!
I think the STEM program is a fabulous one! Encouraging our children to excel and discover new skills and interests is so vital to their future success. Thanks for sharing information on this competition. Going to share this with my sons’ teachers!
What a great way to encourage creativity among kids. My kids love science and I am sure they will love to participate
That is really cool! The Science Fair was such a fun thing when I was a kid.
That looks like so much fun!! Wish there were programs like this offered in our area!!
We have the same problem in our area Jamie, limited resources in rural communities. There’s a lot of great info on the website, though, for teacher’s to utilize which is nice.
What a great opportunity for kids to use their skills and creativity! Sounds like a great program.
My two younger girls attend a stem school and my oldest graduated from the same school. This camp sounds awesome.
My son loves science and learning about ho we incorporate science into our everyday lives. This sounds like a great program for kids!
My son would love to be a part of this. He participates in a program called Odyssey of the Mind at school and they conduct experiments.
i loved science as a kid and still do. This sounds like a great opportunity. I hope lots of parents take advantage.
What a cool contest. My oldest will be in middle school soon. I hope they still have it.
This is really awesome! I love opportunities for kids to get involved in science. I judged at a science fair recently and will have to share this with the group over there.
I agree and WOW a $25,000 prize, that could definitely be put to good use for a college education. Time to start investing now for their future.