Discovery Education and 3M Search for America's 2014 Top Young Scientist

Silver Spring, Md. and St. Paul, Minn., January 15, 2014 /3BL Media/ – Discovery Education and 3M are proud to announce the opening of the 16th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The nation's premier science competition for students in grades 5-8, the Challenge rewards students for their science acumen, demonstration of innovative thinking and communication skills. Through the Challenge, students have the opportunity to compete for $25,000 and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist."

Encouraging students to share their passion for science, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge asks students to create a one to two-minute video communicating the science behind a possible solution to an everyday problem.

Evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation, ten finalists will be selected to participate in an exclusive mentorship program working directly with a 3M scientist. During the program, each finalist will be challenged to create an innovation that solves a problem in society. The students will meet virtually with their mentor and will receive resources and support from 3M and Discovery Education. Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2014.

All video entries must be submitted online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com no later than April 22, 2014. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.

“The unique partnership between Discovery and 3M is unparalleled and benefits students across the country. The opportunity for students to interact and be mentored by some of the top scientists in the world and truly share their deep passion for science and engineering is not only a once-in-a-lifetime event, but also part of creating the next generation of great innovators and thinkers,” said Kellie Lauth, 2013 Young Scientist Challenge judge and Principal of STEM Launch K-8. “Problem-based or project-based learning coupled with strong industry and community partnerships encourages resiliency, stewardship, advanced learning and the courage to not only learn in this next generation model but lead it forward.”

Since its inception, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded more than $500,000 in student scholarships and prizes, paired students with working scientists to give them real-world insights and delivered much-needed science resources to millions of students, teachers and families across the country. Winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, meet the President of the United States, work with the nation's top scientists and pursue academic careers in science.

“Participating in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge and working alongside a 3M mentor has not only been an exciting experience, but has also taught me valuable lessons including the importance of persistence in science,” said Peyton Robertson, America’s 2013 Top Young Scientist. “If it doesn't work, you don’t give up…you adjust your design and try again. Most of all, if you’re a student in grades 5 through 8 and have an idea you want to develop; apply. It’s an incredible experience!”

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit: www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 88,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital content for K-12, transforming teaching and learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development, assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its kind.  Available in over half of all U.S. schools, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world, Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com