3M and Discovery Education recently announced the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge (#YoungScientist) with 26 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients. Dodgen Middle School 8th grader Akshadha Mehta is the only merit winner from Georgia. The young Cobb scientist was recognized for exemplifying a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around her. The innovative idea she pitched to the judges is FAP-BRIX: A Practical solution to lessen plastic pollution.
As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge features outstanding innovations from young scientists that demonstrate the power of science to improve the world.
To enter, students in grades 5-8 submitted a one-to-two-minute video explaining an original idea using science to help solve an everyday problem. All entries were reviewed by a diverse group of judges and evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication skills. Videos were recorded using a cell phone or digital camera and were not judged on production skills. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offered innovative ways for students to engage in science through new entry topics, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.
"The projects submitted to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge showcase how science is critical to driving progress and delivering sustainable solutions. All these students are already making the world a better place through science, and we applaud each for their innovations," said Torie Clarke, EVP & Chief Public Affairs Officer at 3M.
The 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the 26 state merit winners and the four honorable mention recipients, who were selected for their passion for science, innovation, and superb communication skills. Each state merit winner receives special recognition on the challenge website and a prize pack.
"The 3M Young Scientist Challenge nurtures student curiosity by challenging them to think big and innovate for a better world," said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Social Impact at Discovery Education. "We are excited to support this effort to demonstrate students' ability to use science to create a better world."
In its 17th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to inspire and challenge middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discover 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, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider, and have appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more.
The award-winning competition anchors the 3M and Discovery Education partnership 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. All the resources are also available on Discovery Education Experience, the award-winning K-12 learning platform.
