📌About the event

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the premier science competition for middle school students, empowering them to create innovations that improve lives. Participants must identify an everyday problem in their community and develop a scientific solution using physics, chemistry, or biology. It is a competition that values creative communication as much as technical invention, requiring a short video pitch of the idea.

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ℹ️ Event Details

• Category: Academic and Science
• Organizer: 3M and Discovery Education
• Eligibility: Students in Grades 5 to 8
• Team Size: Individual
• Effort Level: Medium
• Submission Type: 1 to 2 Minute Video

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📅 Important Dates

• Registration Deadline: 30 April, 2026
• Submission Date: 30 April, 2026
• Results Announcement: June 2026
• Mode: Online

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🏆 Prize Details and Value

• Prize Type: Cash and Mentorship
• Prize Amount or Value: $25,000 USD for the Grand Prize Winner
• Certificates: State Merit Winner and Finalist Certificates
• Visibility and Showcase: Top 10 finalists participate in the Final Challenge events
• Additional Perks: Summer Mentorship Program with a 3M Scientist for finalists

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🎯 What You Will Do

• Identify a real world problem related to health, safety, or the environment.
• Conceptualize an original scientific innovation to address the issue.
• Record a short video describing the science behind your solution.
• Submit the video and entry form through the official Young Scientist Lab.

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📦 Resources and Support Available

• Thought Starters: A collection of problem areas to spark student ideas.
• Video Tips: Guidance from previous winners on filming a winning pitch.