9 Reasons Your Tween Should Enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge

This is a sponsored post

Identifying problems, coming up with solutions, and a passion for solving problems are characteristics of scientists. If your tween or teen has thought of improving the future of health, safety, mobility, the environment, energy consumption, or the community, they should enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge!

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. This one-of-a-kind video competition encourages young people to solve everyday problems using science and innovation. It’s fostered curiosity and passion to find new solutions to existing problems and enhanced science, innovation, and communication across the United States.

Since launched by Discovery Communications in 1999, the Young Scientist Challenge had the same mission it does today: to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education joined forces with 3M – one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and give students the unique opportunity to work directly with 3M scientists.

9 Reasons Your Tween Should Enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge

Did you know the greatest innovations of our time were first designed to solve simple problems for which we didn’t even know we needed solutions? It’s true!

If your tween or teen likes to think outside the box, plan, and innovate, here are 9 reasons why they should enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge!

1. Easy to enter– Just submit a video! Keep reading for more information about how to submit an entry.
2. Real world learning— Learning goes way beyond classroom walls and into the real world of innovating.
3. Unforgettable mentoring— Finalists get to work one-on-one with renowned 3M scientists – a mentoring experience they’ll never forget.
4. Impactful innovations— Competitors’ ideas and innovations can make a real difference in the world.
5. Friendship— Lots of competitors and finalists share a passion for science activities and remain friends long after the competition is over.
6. Practice presenting— Even though it may sound terrifying to your tween, the finalists who present their video competition ideas to a distinguished panel of judges get amazing public speaking experience
7. No textbooks— This is original, outside-the-box dreaming, planning and innovating.
8. Travel to visit a lab— Finalists travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, and tour exclusive labs of 3M headquarters to see the current work of scientists
9. Cash and prizes— The grand prize is $25,000 and includes an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a Discovery Network taping!

After thinking about the six entry topics on the Young Scientist Challenge website, have your tweens create a 1-2 minute video demonstrating why they were inspired to solve their chosen problem and good luck!

This post is sponsored by Discovery Education but all opinions are my own.