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| My son, age 10, at his first school science fair.... |
I remember like it was yesterday the annual science fair at my son's elementary school, especially the year he was in the 5th grade. My son had to practice the science experiment at home, make a presentation board for the science fair, and then repeat the experiment at the fair for all the parents.
My son's experiment was called "Amazing Expanding Air" where he showed that if you warm a large number of air molecules, they will move faster. He did this by freezing a plastic bottle, putting a balloon over the neck of the bottle, and placing the bottle in a pan of hot tap water.
If he did the experience correct, the balloon would fill with air. You should have seen the happy expression on that kid's face when the balloon filled with air. Priceless!
I watched my son give his presentation at the science fair and I was very proud. He received an A+ for his grade. But more than that, he gained knowledge of how the world works, learned how to organize his thoughts, how to compete fairly with others, and how to make a presentation in front of a huge crowd of people - all pretty big skills for a 10 year old!!!
At that age, my son had a natural appreciation for science that was limited only by the power of his imagination.
I wish I had known back then about the Discovery Eduction 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. Through the program, young inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and 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 interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education teamed up with 3M, one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers and give students an opportunity to receive mentorship from 3M scientists.
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Call for entries for the challenge is open now and closes on Wednesday, April, 20, 2016.
To enter, participants must submit a one-to-two-minute video describing the science behind a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem.
Judges evaluate the entries through April and May based on creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.
Ten finalists are announced in the summer. These participants will be challenged to develop their innovations that positively impacts lives (including them, their family, their community or the global population).
The students will participate in a mentorship program during which they will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with renowned 3M scientists as their mentors.
Each finalist will also receive a FREE trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016.
ONLY 3 WEEK LEFT TO ENTER!!!
Don't let your son or daughter be limited by anything other than the power of their own imagination.
Make sure to check out the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, by visiting www.youngscientistchallenge.com.
Submissions will be accepted through April 20, 2016.
Good Luck!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of 3M. All opinions are my own...
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