DISCOVERY EDUCATION AND 3M NATIONAL YOUNG SCIENTISTS WINNERS

For more info visit newsinfusion.com/youngscientist2010 “America’s Top Young Scientist” Receives $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds (NEW YORK) – Discovery Education and 3M today awarded Liam McCarty of Elm Grove, Wis., with the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” as winner of the 2010 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his innovative wound closure system that better protects deep cuts. McCarty was one of 10 finalists who competed this morning in a series of live science challenges in New York City. A student of Brookfield Academy, McCarty will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) and a trip to St. Paul, Minn. to visit the 3M Innovation Center and work alongside 3M’s top scientists to test and enhance his prototype. Selected from hundreds of students from across the country, the ten finalists competed in a series of challenges and experienced hands-on interaction with some of 3M’s top scientists who served as mentors, as the students were asked to: 1) communicate principles of science behind unusual phenomenons, such as a disappearing beaker or how a hand can be set on fire without leaving burns; 2) test the validity of the “Five Second Rule” as it relates to food safety; and 3) invent a solution to a safety or security problem found in society. Finalists were evaluated by a panel of judges on their science skills and their ability to communicate scientific knowledge. Head judge Steve Jacobs, an accomplished scientist, educator and author, joined a team of scientists and educators from across the country to form the judging panel. “Satisfying curiosity has been at the heart of Discovery's mission and DNA for 25 years and we recognize the importance of nurturing interest in science education among America's youth,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications. “Liam McCarty and all of this year's participants of the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge demonstrated the strength and promise of our next generation of science and ...