3M Young Scientist Challenge: Will Your Kids Be Entering?

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All thoughts, opinions and excitement are purely my own. I'm a techy girl. I still remember Mr. Banks refusing to let me play Nerm the Worm during technology class. Instead, I became an expert at Science Island.

He inspired me to learn more about technology and I wonder what would've happened if I would've had more teachers like him. He was also my science teacher and I remembering him letting me dissect kidneys during our lunch hour. So cool!

Fast forward to today and news of an awesome opportunity for middle school kids everywhere. A Young Scientist Challenge! If your kid is in 5th through 8th grade then they can enter for a chance to win $25,000!

Why those grades?

Research shows that interest in science wanes during those middle school years. Discovery Education is looking to encourage kids during this critical time to explore scientific concepts (like Mr. Banks did for me) and creatively communicate their findings.

What's unique about this challenge?

It's not just a competition. It's mentoring. The 10 finalists will be paired with a 3M scientist. How cool is that? Being exposed to a mentor in the science field can be life changing during this time. The mentors help guide the finalists to create an innovation that they will present to a panel of judges at the final competition in October.

Here are important dates to remember, folks!

• April 21st: Video Entry Deadline (need to stress this deadline) - Middle school students are asked to create a one to two-minute video communicating the science behind a possible solution for an everyday problem. Get started already!
• June/July: Ten finalists will be announced and have an exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist during a summer mentorship program, during which they were challenged to create an innovation which solves a problem in society. State Merit Winners are also announced at this time.
• October: Finalists will demonstrate their scientific innovation and creativity in a series of challenges at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, MN.

Since the Frog Princess does not qualify, I'm looking to live vicariously through your kids! Let's get to it, people! The winner will receive $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

And if one of your kids wins, I'll also give you the "Mamihood Scientist Of the Year" Award complete with a certificate for the kid and one for the parents because the struggle is real. As a matter of fact, that's what I'll name the parent award "The Struggle Is Real: Raising a Scientist" award. 

So, tell me, is your kid entering?

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All thoughts, opinions and excitement are purely my own.