Silver Spring, Md. & St. Paul, Minn. (Aug. 6, 2009) – Today, Discovery Education and 3M announced 10 middle school students from around the nation as finalists in the 11th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Each finalist will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to New York City to compete in the Young Scientist Challenge finals on October 6, 2009. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” The competition finals will take place in New York City, where students will demonstrate their scientific innovation and creativity in a series of individual challenges focused on “The Science of Everyday Life.”

Discovery Education and 3M are proud to announce the following 10 finalists (in alphabetical order):

• Marina Dimitrov, Bozeman, Mont., Sacajawea Middle School *
• Devin Dwyer, Northport, N.Y., Northport Middle School
• Hugh Finch, Burrillville, R.I., home schooled
• Nikita Gaurav, Beaverton, Ore., Valley Catholic Middle School
• Emily Grover, Lehi, Utah, Eaglecrest Elementary School
• Nicholas LaJoie, Van Buren, Maine, Van Buren Middle School
• Jason Liu, Hockessin, Del., Henry B. DuPont Middle School
• Nico Seamons, Socorro, N.M., Cottonwood Valley Charter School
• Claire Sheen, Mountain Top, Pa., MMI Preparatory School

“The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge emphasizes our company’s commitment to science education,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications. “These 10 finalists are examples of the next generation’s ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and solutions, and Discovery is proud to be associated with 3M and saluting these young minds – minds that will ultimately propel the United States to leadership in science and technology.”

Robert MacDonald, President, 3M Foundation, added, “Science is at the very heart of 3M, driving the pulse of innovation throughout our company on a global basis. We have a responsibility to foster interest and development in the innovators of our future, and our partnership with Discovery provides the ideal platform for students to demonstrate just how exciting the journey of learning can be.”

As the nation’s premier science competition for middle school students, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge targets students in the years when research indicates their interest in science begins to fade and encourages them to explore scientific concepts and creatively communicate their findings. In January, students nationwide were asked to create a one- to two-minute video about a specific scientific concept that relates to innovative solutions for everyday life, such as how to reduce TV glare or how to lower heating/cooling bills. Last month, 50 semifinalists were selected based on their science communication skills exhibited in their videos.

* Schools listed are from time of competition entry.

More Information

For more information on the challenge, including photos and ages of the 10 finalists, go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) revolutionized television with the Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education. Powered by the number one non-fiction 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 U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services. Explore the future of education at Discovery Education.

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 $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

Contacts

Discovery Communications
Tammy Shea
240-662-6506
tammy_shea at discovery dot com
www.discoverycommunications.com

Hunter Public Relations for 3M
Melissa Todisco
212-679-6600, x244
mtodisco at hunterpr dot com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Sandy Fash
608-839-9800
sandy at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

Printer Friendly

Download Release (144 KB)

Images

Click to view at full size, then right-click to download.