3M and Discovery Education recently announced ten finalists for the “3M Young Scientist Challenge.”
The competition “recognizes scientific thinking, communication and curiosity in students grades 5-8 who demonstrate a passion for solving everyday problems that could ultimately improve lives around the world,” according to a news release from 3M.
Hundreds of students from across the nation submitted short videos to explain the science behind their proposed innovations. Ten individuals — five boys and five girls between ages 9 and 14 — were selected as finalists.
“I was in shock and really surprised,” said 13-year old finalist Caroline Crouchley, of Garden City, N.Y. “I didn’t think I was going to win.”
Crouchley was interested in pollution and climate change, so her project provides a way for trains to run on renewable energy.
Each finalist will work with a scientist from 3M through a virtual mentorship program to transform the students’ concepts into prototypes.
All 10 students will receive $1,000 and participate in a final competition at 3M’s Innovation Center in St. Paul Oct. 28 and 29.
The winner will be named “America’s Top Young Scientist,” receive $25,000 and go on a destination trip of choice.