Cultivating the next generation of scientists
Hear directly from 3M Scientist Mentors about the important role of mentorship in the Young Scientist Challenge.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. This one-of-a-kind video competition has sparked a sense of wonder and discovery in hundreds of thousands of students and enhanced science, innovation and communication across the United States.
When first launched by Discovery Communications in 1999, the Young Scientist Challenge had the same mission it does today: to foster a new generation of American scientists at an age when interest in science generally declines. In 2008, Discovery Education joined forces with 3M – one of the world’s most notable innovators – to cultivate the next generation of problem-solvers and give students the unique opportunity to work directly with 3M scientists.
Important Dates
Understand the key dates and process of the yearly competition.
Rules
Review Official Rules for the 2021 Young Scientist Challenge.
Prizes
Take a quick peek at the incredible prizes you could win if you enter the Young Scientist Challenge.
Judging
Explore the Young Scientist Challenge judging criteria.
FAQs
Find answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about the competition.