ESC Region 12 Joins Discovery Education and 3M in Search for America's Top Young Scientist

The search for America’s Top Young Scientist is officially underway as Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 is partnering with Discovery Education and 3M for the 2010 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Research shows that science test scores start to drop in middle school when interest in science begins to wane. In an effort to foster the development of our nation’s next generation of scientists, ESC Region 12 has joined the search to ensure Texas’ top young scientists are well represented in the nation’s premier science competition for students in grades 5-8.

Every day, scientists around the world rely on communication to help solve scientific problems and transform creative ideas into innovative solutions. For this reason, middle school students residing throughout the United States are asked to create a one- to two-minute video communicating the science behind a possible solution for one of the following safety and security issues that are present in everyday life:

1) Preventing the spread of germs/diseases
2) Food safety
3) Sun protection
4) Wind resistant structures

Evaluated by a panel of judges, all video entries will be assessed on the basis of creativity, persuasiveness, classroom suitability and overall presentation. Videos will not be evaluated on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or simple digital cameras. All video entries must be submitted online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com no later than May 27, 2010.

Semifinalists will be chosen from each state and ten finalists will then be selected to receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the final challenge in October. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value), a tour of 3M’s celebrated Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., given by some of today’s top scientists, and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.

For more information on the 12th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, teacher resources and video examples, go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com/esc12.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement. Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries.

About ESC Region 12
One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, the Education Service Center Region 12 (ESC Region 12) is dedicated to serving school districts, charter schools and area private/parochial schools in improving student performance. ESC Region 12 partners with school districts to deliver services and solutions to educators so they may help all children be successful. Based in Waco, with satellite offices in Corsicana, Hamilton, Nolanville, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills, and Navarro counties.