Do you know a young person who has shown passion and skill in the field of science?

You can now inspire him or her to become America’s Top Young Scientist by encouraging him or her to enter the 10th annual Young Scientist Challenge.

Created by Discovery Education and 3M, the Young Scientist Challenge invites science students in grades 5-8 to compete for the title of America’s Top Young Scientist by sharing their ideas for how science can solve a problem in the local, national or global community.

Finalists will attend a summer mentorship program to be guided by the best in science and ultimately compete for a $25,000 prize.

In order to enter, students fulfilling the grade requirements can enter by simply submitting a one- to two-minute video communicating their idea for how science would solve a community problem.

Educators are in the perfect role to encourage students who display a knack for science to enter; last year’s winner says she was inspired by "a pretty awesome" teacher.

According to Discovery Education, all submissions "will be evaluated based on their creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and delivery."

"Over the years, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student prizes, paired students with world-renowned scientists and delivered much-needed science resources to millions of students, teachers and families across the country. In 2016, entries were submitted by nearly all 50 states, from urban, suburban and rural districts. Six girls and four boys were named as the top 10 finalists," Discovery Education and 3M said in a prepared statement.

"Encouraging participation in the challenge is about inspiring young minds of all kinds, from all places, about the wonders of science and working to create a solution that could improve lives," said Francie Snyder, teacher at Manatee County Public Schools' Oneco and Prine Elementary Schools in Manatee County, Fla, in Discovery Education’s release.

Students who are interested in enrolling can find out more details here.

Nicole Gorman, Senior Education World Contributor

1/13/2017