The folks at Discovery Channel are on the prowl again, looking for the 2010 'America's Top Young Scientist'. Open to all 5th through 8th Graders, the competition is designed to encourage the exploration of science among young kids in America.

Now in its eleventh year, the free competition, requires students to create a 1-2 minute long video on scientific themes that are specified each year. This year's theme focuses on the science of safety and security. Contestants are challenged to come up with an original solution to one of these four problems.

Preventing the spread of disease or germs that happens thanks to unclean surfaces by coming up with an innovative solution and explaining the science behind it.

OR

Come up with an original scientific solution to make our food safer and prevent the transmission of disease and bacteria.

OR

While humans need sunlight, too much of it can be harmful thanks to the ultra-violet rays - contestants are challenged to come up with an innovative scientific solution to help protect us from the harmful effects.

OR

Come up with suggestions for structures that can protect us against the strong hurricane-like winds that plague some areas of the United States.

While the initial application has to be presented in the form of an engaging video, no longer than 2 minutes long, the judges are not looking for professionally made entries, but rather, a video that is very creative, relevant and convincing.

One semi-finalist picked from each participating state, will receive a cash price of $250USD and many other fun prizes. Of these, the ten semi-finalists with the highest scores will be deemed 'finalists', and flown to New York City, where amongst other things, they will be asked to present their idea in front of a live audience. The student who scores the highest points here, will walk away with a grand prize of $50,000USD, a trophy and most importantly, the title of 'America's Top Young Scientist'.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and submit your video, prior to the submission deadline of May 27th, 2010. For additional details or to enter the challenge, go to: http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/

source: youngscientistchallenge.com