The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for middle school students. It invites students in grades 5-8 to submit a video explaining an original idea using science to solve an everyday problem. Finalists are selected based on their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. The top 10 finalists then work with 3M mentors to develop their ideas further.
Science | STEM
Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge
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Contact Info
- Phone: Currently Unavailable
- Contact: tpost3@mmm.com
- Website
- 3M, Discovery Education
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About the competition
Comp Info
- Estimated Ann. Participants: 7500
- Cost: Free
- Estimated Time Commitment: Major
- Participant Format: Individual
- Event Format: Hybrid
- Competition Format: Original Submission, Presentation
- Reach: National
- Event Size: Medium
Participation Information
Students submit a 1-2 minute video explaining their innovative solution to a real-world problem using science. Finalists participate in a summer mentorship program and a final event at the 3M Innovation Center, where they present their projects to judges.
Open to middle school students (Grades 5-8) in the United States.
$25,000 for 1st place, mentorship, and national recognition
Students submit a 1-2 minute video explaining their innovative solution to a real-world problem using science. Finalists participate in a summer mentorship program and a final event at the 3M Innovation Center, where they present their projects to judges.
1. Submit a 1-2 minute video explaining an original scientific idea by May 2, 2024. 2. Finalists participate in a mentorship program. 3. Finalists present their projects at the 3M Innovation Center in October 2024.
Access to mentorship from 3M scientists, digital resources, and support from Discovery Education.
Judging is based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and the effectiveness of communication in the video submission, along with the quality of the final project.