This is a sponsored post on behalf of 3M. All opinions are my own.  #YoungScientist #ad

As a mom of an extremely inquisitive and intelligent little girl, STEM has become a huge part of our lives this past year.  When Toodie started first grade she was introduced to a whole new world of science, technology, engineering, and math. From programming robots with her father to conducting mini experiments at home after school, we always promote learning. Encouraging your child to think, create, explore, discover, and problem solve is vital in their educational development. As parents it’s our job to nurture creativity and give them the tools needed to satisfy their desire to learn. Given her peaked interest in all things science related, I was thrilled to learn about the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

As the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8, young inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” The mission of the Young Scientist Challenge is to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education teamed up with 3M to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers and give students an opportunity to receive mentorship from experienced scientists. 

Here is a breakdown of how the challenge works:
– Call for entries is currently open through April, 20, 2016. To enter, participants must submit a one-to-two-minute video describing the science behind a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem.

– Judges evaluate the entries through April and May based on creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.  

– Ten finalists are announced in the summer. These participants will be challenged to develop their innovations that positively impacts lives (including them, their family, their community or the global population). The students will participate in a mentorship program during which they will get the opportunity to work one-on-one with renowned 3M scientists as their mentors.
 
– Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016.