Silver Spring, Md. and St. Paul, Minn. (AUg. 10, 2010) – Today, Discovery Education and 3M announced 10 students from across the country as the top finalists in the 12th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Each finalist will be awarded an all-expense paid trip to New York City to participate in the competition finals, emceed by Danny Forster, host of Science Channel’s Build it Bigger, on Oct. 5, 2010. During this competition, students will demonstrate scientific innovation, creativity and communication skills in a series of individual challenges related to the science of safety and security. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value), the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” and a trip to St. Paul, Minn., to work alongside 3M’s top scientists at their world headquarters and visit the 3M Innovation Center.

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

• Riya Chandra, Fremont, Calif., Mission San Jose Elementary School
• Sydney Clark, Austin, Texas, Clark Academy of Science and Art (homeschool)
• Sehee Kim, Cumming, Ga., Piney Grove Middle School
• Kai Klocke, Portland, Ore., Cedar Park Middle School
• Alexander Mataloni, Fairfax Station, Va., South County Secondary School
• Liam McCarty, Elm Grove, Wis., Brookfield Academy
• Liam O'Brien, Unionville, Conn., West Woods Upper Elementary School
• Raj Raina, Novi, Mich., Novi Middle School
• Christopher Riedman, Bismarck, N.D., (homeschool)
• Matthew Shimura, Honolulu, Hawaii, Punahou School

“The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge emphasizes our company’s 25-year commitment to science education,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery Communications. “The finalists exemplify their generation’s potential to advance science, and Discovery is proud to partner with 3M in saluting these young minds.”

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 short video explaining the science behind issues millions of Americans face in everyday life, including preventing the spread of germs, ensuring food safety and sun protection. Last month, 47 semifinalists were selected based on their science communication skills exhibited in their videos. For more information on the challenge, including photos and ages of the 10 finalists, go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

*Schools listed are from time of competition entry.

More Information

For more information on the challenge, including the full list of 47 semifinalists, their hometowns and ages, 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 $25 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

Contacts

Discovery Communications
Stephen Wakefield
240-662-2893
stephen_wakefield 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

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