Discovery Education announce 10 student finalists from across America in the 2016 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist). The annual competition recognizes scientific thinking and imagination in students grades 5-8 who dream up a solution to an everyday problem that ultimately could reshape the way we live our lives.
After submitting a short video communicating the science behind a possible solution to an everyday problem, these young scientists rose to the top of the competition and were selected over hundreds of others, due to their science acumen, innovative thinking and exceptional communication skills demonstrated in their entry videos. The finalists ̶ six girls and four boys, ranging in age from 12-14 ̶ include those from public, private and home schools, from locations all across the nation.
The 10 Finalists
(in alphabetical order):
- Meghna Behari, Sewickley, PA, Marshall Middle School, (North Allegheny School District)
- Amelia Day, Sumner, WA, Lakeridge Middle School (Sumner School District)
- Mrinali Kesavadas, Mahomet, IL, Mahomet-Seymour Jr. High School (Mahomet-Seymour School District)
- Sara Makboul, Acworth, GA, Palmer Middle School (Cobb County School District)
- Maanasa Mendu, Mason, OH, Mason Middle School (Mason City School District)
- Rohit Mital, Rochester Hills, MI, West Middle School (Rochester Community Schools)
- Will Paschal, Madison, GA, Morgan County Middle School (Morgan County School District)
- Sofia Tomov, Knoxville, TN, Homeschooled
- Rohan Wagh, Portland, OR, Stoller Middle School (Beaverton School District)
- Kaien Yang, Chantilly, VA, Nysmith School for the Gifted
Each finalist will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a 3M Scientist during a summer mentorship program, where they will be challenged to develop their innovative concept that positively impacts them, their family, their community or the global population.
All 10 finalists receive $1,000 and are awarded a trip to 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minn to participate in the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center on Oct. 17 and 18, where they will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The winner will receive $25,000, a trip to watch the taping of a Discovery Network show, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”
For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including photos and bios of the 10 finalists and a list of the 27 state merit winners, visit www.youngscientistchallenge.com.
