The 2009-2010 Kids Science Challenge Has Begun!

Attention all budding Einstein wannabes! The 2009-2010 Kids Science Challenge for 3rd to 6th graders is on again, and this time around the topics are even more fun. 

Simply pose an original question, problem or experiment in one or more of the three stipulated areas and you will not only have a chance to win some awesome prizes, but also, get to work with experts in each field, to test or develop your idea.

This year, the folks at Pulse of the Planet that sponsor the event, have come up with three new challenges for kids to ponder over.

Bio-Inspired Designs

While you all know that birds inspired airplanes, did you know that the new Speedo swimsuit sported by the world's best swimmers was inspired by the scales of sharks?

Can you think of another 'cool' invention that would be useful to our world, inspired by something that you see in nature everyday? If so, this is the category for you.

Simply describe your 'invention', how you came up with the idea and draw a picture of what you think it should look like.

If you win, you may see your idea turn into reality and be used by millions of people - How cool would that be? To get more details about what the judges are looking for in a winning entry go to: www.kidsciencechallenge.com

The grand-prize winner not only gets a free all-expenses trip to California to work with the scientists at the University of California, but also, a VIP trip to the San Diego Zoo. They will also win several other cool prizes including a telescope and a microscope. Check out the entire list at kidsciencechallenge.com/html/prizes.

Sports On Mars

This is great one for all you sports fans - When we do get to Mars, what are we going to do for fun?

Can you come up with a sport - new or something we already play on Earth, and describe it in detail - even draw a picture of it if possible.

Check out the what the judges are looking for, by watching the fun video on kidsciencechallenge.com

The grand prize winner in this fun category will win a trip to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California to test their idea, as well as, spend a week at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

There are of course plenty of other prizes too, including a Space Exploration Kit and a Mars Lab Exploration Kit - check out the entire list at kidsciencechallenge.com

Detective Science

Calling all Sherlock Holmes fans. Work with the folks at the Forensics Science Department at the Syracuse University to create experiments to solve those baffling everyday household mysteries - Who really did eat that last cookie?

Before you send in your application, be sure to check out this video on www.kidsciencechallenge.com, and listen to what the judges are looking for in the winning entry.

Besides a trip Syracuse, New York, the winner will also get a week the Secret Agents Camp in Lake Arrowhead,    California - And of course there are plenty of other prizes including an Eyeclops Bionic Eye and an Eyeclops night vision. View the full list at kidsciencechallenge.com.

Have a great idea for all three categories? Not a problem. You or your class can enter in each of the three categories - However, only one entry per category is allowed.

And, while the competition is open until February 2010, the first 1,000 entrants will receive a free Science Kit - so put your thinking caps on today and get going! 

Best of luck and if you do win, be sure to write us your story so that we can share it with our readers.

source: kidssciencechallenge.com