Frequently Asked Questions

The 2010 competition is now closed. Sign up to receive information about the 2011 competition.

1. How do I enter?

To enter, you'll need to submit a 1-2 minute video on one of the current year's entry topics related to the science of everyday life.

2. Is the competition open to anyone?

If you're in the 5th-8th grade, yes. In its 10th year, the Young Scientist Challenge officially opened for all 5th-8th graders nationwide (previously open only to students in ISEF-affiliated Science Fairs).

3. I don't have a camera, where can I get one?

There are lots of ways to get a camera. Did you know that many cell phones have cameras in them? Digital cameras are also good ways to make a short movie. If you don't have access to either, you can check with your teacher, school media center, or local Public Library.

4. How am I judged?

Video entries must demonstrate your understanding of the scientific concept explained and your ability to effectively communicate that concept. Videos do NOT need to be "produced" or have high production value. Judges are not evaluating production skills. Videos may be recorded on cell phones or simple digital cameras, for example. In addition, local libraries and schools may be able to loan cameras to students.

Entries that follow all of the rules and regulations will be based on the average of scores awarded by a panel of judges using the following rubric.

• Creativity (20%)
• Content meets stated contest criteria (30%)
• Persuasiveness (10%)
• Classroom suitability (10%)
• Overall Presentation (30%)

5. Who are the judges?

The video competition is judged by a field of experts in science and communication including former teachers, scientists, and representatives from leading science organizations.

6. When and how will I find out if I've won?

You will be contacted via phone/ email to alert you that you are a Semi-Finalist in early July. Finalists will be notified in early August.

7. What happens at the finals?

Ten student finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the competition finals, consisting of a series of scientific challenges, some of which may be performed in front of a live audience. Finalists will be judged on their scientific problem solving and communication skills.

8. What are the student prizes?

At the end of the competition, America's Top Young Scientist will be awarded $50,000 in U.S. savings bonds (a $25,000 cash value), and other finalists will receive exciting prizes.

Sample prizing for winners include:

Semifinalists (up to 51 - one from each State and the District of Columbia)

• Cash Prize
• Plaque/certificate
• Young Scientist Challenge Premium

Finalists (10 - chosen from the Semifinalists)

• An all-expenses-paid trip for the student and ONE parent/guardian to competition finals
• Cash prize
• Medal/plaque/certificate
• A chance to win various prize trips (in the past we've sent students to Space Camp, on a trip with Rangers at a National Park, etc.)

First Place

• $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds (Cash value $25K)
• A trip to 3M's World Headquarters
• Trophy/plaque/certificate
• The title of "America's Top Young Scientist"

9. I forgot my username/password, how can I find it?

When you registered, your username and password were emailed to you and your parent.

10. Why do my parents have to grant permission for me to enter?

In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, Parental/guardian consent is needed for any person under the age of 13 years to give personal information to a third party over the internet. In the case of our competition, your parent/guardian needs to grant consent for us to receive your entry.

11. I got nominated for the Young Scientist Challenge at my State Science Olympiad competition. What does that mean?

If you were nominated at a State Science Olympiad competition, that means that through your participation and achievements with Science Olympiad, we have selected you to by-pass the first round of judging and go straight to the quarterfinalist level.

12. I got nominated for the Young Scientist Challenge at my Local, State or Regional Science Fair. What does that mean? Is my video supposed to be about my Science Fair Project?

If you were nominated at a State Science Fair, that means that through your participation and achievements in Science Fair, we have selected you to by-pass the first round of judging and go straight to the quarterfinalist level. Your video should NOT be about your Science Fair Project. In order to judge everyone on an even playing field, we have pre-selected 4 topics that you may make your video about. We challenge you to create a one-to-two minute video about one of these topics.

13. Are there rules and guidelines about how to make my video?

Yes, it is very important that you read and comply with the Official Rules and Regulations and Safety Guidelines.

You can read the official rules for the 2010 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge here: http://youngscientist.discoveryeducation.com/10challenge/student_rules.html

14. Are there examples of successful videos that I can watch?

You can see examples of the types of videos we are looking for and get tips from past winners here: http://youngscientist.discoveryeducation.com/about/entry_video_tips.html

15. Are there other resources that I can explore?

Check out our links page! youngscientistchallenge.com/checkitout/resources.html

16. How do I submit my video?

You must have a user account to submit a video. Once you have created an account and completed your student profile, you should see the "Upload your Video" link within the upper right corner of your profile. Once you click on the "Upload your Video" link, please follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Select File button.

2. A pop-up window will appear to allow you to select your file on your computer.

3. Search for and select your video file.

4. If you are using a PC, click on Open after selecting the video file.

5. You will see your video listed under the Selected File section.

6. Click on UPLOAD to submit your video.

Please note that your video must be in ASF, AVI, FLV, MOV, or WMV format in order in order to submit your video. Also, the video and must be under 100 MBs and no more than 2 minutes long or your video will be disqualified from the challenge.

Submitted videos may take up to 20 minutes to appear within your account. You will receive an email to notify you that your submission was successful.

17. Can I update my submitted video?

If you have already submitted your video, you can always log into your user account to resubmit your video. Once you upload a new video file, the new file will overwrite the old file associated with your user account.

18. My video is larger than 100mb. How can I reduce the size of my video for upload?

You can download many free encoder solutions, such as Riva FLV Encoder, SUPER, or MPlayer (Mac), through the Internet to convert your videos. Please download the encoders at your own risk. The listed third party solutions are not related to Discovery Education or 3M. You may also want to try adjusting the settings within your video editor to reduce the pixel resolution and frame rate of the file.

19. What if I have a question that is not addressed here?

Contact us at YSC@Discovery.com