Overview
Every year, more than 60,000 children from around the country enter science projects in one of the science and engineering fairs affiliated with Science Service. Six thousand middle school entrants are then nominated by their fair directors to enter their projects in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge—the only competition of its kind for students in grades 5 through 8.
Between June (the deadline for entering) and early September, our judges choose 400 semifinalists among the entries. Students are judged on the scientific merit of their work and, just as importantly, on their ability to communicate the science of their project.
Final selection criteria include the following:
Students must be in grades 5 through 8 and place in a category judging of an ISEF-affiliated fair. Visual and written presentations must demonstrate that students understand their research by providing all information in a logical, easily interpreted manner. Oral presentations must demonstrate that students are able to explain the project and the underlying science, and that students are comfortable discussing their projects and science in general.
In October, 40 finalists receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC for the competition finals, consisting of a series of team challenges and oral presentations. The winners receive scholarships and semifinalists receive prizes.
The Finals
The 40 finalists come to Washington, DC for a week in October. Each day students working in teams participate in different "challenges" developed and administered by Steve Jacobs, science educator and creator of "Jake's Attic." Each age-appropriate challenge concentrates on a different discipline of science. Many of the activities take place at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. While working in teams, finalists are judged on communication and leadership, as well as scientific problem solving. The finalists then present their original science fair project to the judges and other finalists. Contest winners are be selected on the basis of scores developed in Washington, DC from their oral presentations (30%) and their participation in the team challenges (70%).
At the nominee stage, students receive:
Lapel pins
Certificates
Students who complete an entry booklet will receive a T-shirt.
At the semi-finalist stage, students receive:
Certificate of recognition
A small prize
Small teacher prizes
At the finalist stage in Washington, DC, students receive:
Trip to Washington, DC with all the trimmings
Special Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge shirt
$50 gift certificate valid at any Discovery Channel Store, Discovery Channel Catalog, or discoverystore.com. (also valid at any The Nature Company Store or The Nature Company catalog)
Chance to appear on television
Plaque for the student's teacher
Plaque for the student's middle school
The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge medal
At the winner stage, students receive scholarships:
1st place—$20,000 scholarship
2nd place—$10,000 scholarship
3rd place—$5,000 scholarship
4th-40th place—$500 scholarship
