Discovery Education and 3M have named 11-year-old Peyton Robertson from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., winner of the 2013 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his innovative sandbag design. This prototype aims to help better protect flood zones against salt-water damage from future storms. Robertson, a sixth grader at Stanford University’s Middle School, competed alongside nine other finalists yesterday during a live competition at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., and was awarded the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” $25,000 and a trip to Costa Rica from Discovery Student Adventures.
The remaining nine finalists also received a variety of prizes from Discovery Education and 3M. The second, third and fourth place winners each received a $1,000 cash prize and a trip from Discovery Student Adventures to Costa Rica. These students are:
- Brooke Martin from North Central High School in Spokane, Wash. received second place for her innovative device – the iCPooch - that lets pet owners video chat and give their pets a treat while away from home.
- Srijay Kasturi, a home-school student from Reston, Va., received third place for his innovation that helps the visually impaired detect objects in their path.
- Daniel Culver from Montrose High School in Montrose, Colo. received fourth place for his innovative indoor cook stove design that greatly reduces harmful CO2 emissions.
The fifth through tenth place winners each received a $1,000 cash prize and a $500 gift card from Discovery Experiences, which offers first-hand, memorable adventures they see and learn about on Discovery's networks.
For more information, go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com.
