NRI students in 3M Young Scientist competitions winners list
26 June 2020: It is indeed a pride moment for India as majority of the top 10 finalists and 27 State Merit Winners are NRIs in the recently concluded 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a joint initiative of 3M and Discovery Education. What 3M might not have noticed, or rather should be proud of from the fact that out of the top 10 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists 7 are from Indian origin. And out of the 27 State Merit Winners, 18 are from Indian origin.
This year’s finalists, four girls and six boys ranging in age from 12-14, identified an everyday problem they’re passionate about and submitted a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution to solve the problem.
As the North America’s premier middle school science competition, these young scientists submitted outstanding projects utilizing the power of STEM to improve the world. An esteemed group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. These young inventors won the top ten spots in this year’s challenge with their innovative thinking, scientific acumen, and display of exceptional communication skills.
In response to COVID-19, the2020, 3M Young Scientist Challenge is pivoting the final event from 3M headquarters in St. Paul, MN, USA to an interactive virtual competition to be held on October 12-13, 2020 where finalists will be evaluated on a series of challenges and the presentation of their completed innovation.
The top 10 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists include students from public and private schools across America. Each finalist will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to work virtually with a 3M scientist who will mentor them as they evolve their invention from idea to prototype. The grand prize winner will receive $25,000 and the prestigious title of America’s Top Young Scientist.
“3M has long committed to inspiring and challenging students to invent out-of-the-box solutions that solve some of the world’s most pressing problems,” said Lori McFarling, President of Corporate & Community Education Partnerships at Discovery Education.
In its 13th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discovering real-world solutions. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been featured in Good Morning America, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, Business Insider, and more.
The award-winning 3M Young Scientist Challenge supplements the 3M and Discovery Education program – Young Scientist Lab – which provides no-cost dynamic digital resources for students, teachers, and families to explore, transform, and innovate the world around them.
www.youngscientistlab.com
