If you’ve been a follower of Bronxmama for a while now, then you know we love to share STEM related opportunities and information for kids (we are the home of The Bronx High School of Science, after all!) . Especially being the mom of two girls, I am always happy to encourage my girls and support their interests- especially in the math and science fields. My oldest Briana has been interested in science and related topics for as long as I can remember. To encourage her love of exploring, I’ve kept her in programs like the gardening classes at the New York Botanical Garden and Nature Club at the Bronx Zoo. When it comes to science and math, she loves participating in the annual science fair at her school and in fact, her latest book from the library is about Albert Einstein.
It’s important to me to allow my girls to experience it all and to have a chance at holding a STEM job later in life. Did you know that according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women hold less than 25 percent of STEM jobs? Well here’s to hoping that percentage will be going up, and my girls will be on of them.
So when I was given the opportunity to help spread the word about The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, I was all for it. Here’s what you should know:
The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge 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.
How the Challenge Works
• Call for entries is currently open through 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 todevelop 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 trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016.
For more information and to enter, visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com
Want some fun STEM activity ideas to try at home? Check out our STEM board on Pinterest:
This is a sponsored post on behalf of 3M. All opinions stated are my own. #YoungScientist