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

About the Challenge

Sign up to receive information about the 2012 competition.

The 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.


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.

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

In the fall, 10 finalists will receive an all-expense-paid 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.

Prizing

At the end of the competition, America's Top Young Scientist will be awarded $25,000 and other finalists will receive exciting prizes.

Sample prizing for winners include:

Merit Winners (up to 51 - one from each State and the District of Columbia)
  • 3M Innovation Package

Finalists
  • An all-expense paid 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 (in the past we've sent students to Space Camp, on a trip with Rangers at a National Park, etc.)

First Place