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Overview | Process | Finals | Prizes | Teacher Challenge
Overview
Discovery Education’s 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 among America’s youth and to promote the importance of science communication. In 1999, Discovery Communications, LLC, launched the competition to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. Over the past nine years, more than 540,000 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.
Process
In order to enter, students must be in grades 5 through 8 and must submit a video entry online between March 1 and June 15, 2008. The video must comply with all rules and regulations. A parent or legal guardian must complete a waiver and release for his or her child before that student can enter the competition, which will be emailed. The video entry must demonstrate the student’s understanding of the scientific concepts explained and his or her comfort level discussing science in general.
Between June 15 and early September, judges from Faraday Studios will review the submissions and choose 51 semifinalists: one from each state and the District of Columbia. Students will be judged on the scientific merit of their video and, just as importantly, on their ability to communicate science.
The Finals
In late fall, 10 finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for the competition finals, consisting of a series of individual and team challenges, some of which take place in front of a live audience. These challenges will be developed and administered by head judge Steve Jacobs, science educator, creator of Jake’s Attic, and founder of Faraday Studios. Each age-appropriate challenge will concentrate on a different discipline of science. Finalists will be judged on their communication and scientific problem-solving skills. At the end of the competition, American’s Top Young Scientist will be awarded a $50,000 savings bond, and other finalists will receive exciting prizes.
Prizes
At the semifinalist stage, students receive:
Certificate of recognition
$250
T-shirt
Plaque for student’s middle school
Plaque for student’s teacher
At the finalist stage, students receive:
An all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for finalist and ONE parent/guardian
Special Young Scientist Challenge apparel
Opportunity to appear on television
The Young Scientist Challenge medal
At the winner stage, students receive:
1st place: $50,000 U.S. Savings Bond
2nd place–10th place: $1,000
Opportunity to win additional prizes and trips from sponsors and partners
Pre-register now for the 2008 YSC!
Science Teacher Challenge—New for 2008!
We are excited to announce that in addition to the student challenge, 2008 will feature a teacher competition. Beginning March 1, science teachers who are members of the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) are invited to enter. DEN teachers will be asked to submit a video entry, as outlined in the rules on the official entry form.
In late summer 2008, judges will select the five teachers who will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for the competition finals. Teacher finalists will compete in a series of individual and team challenges in front of a live audience. At the end of the competition, judges will award the top teacher a special prize.
Teachers can register beginning March 1, 2008! |
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