3M Young Scientist Challenge: Great STEM Exposure for Middle School

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is an annual U.S. STEM competition for middle school students (grades 5–8). Each entrant creates a 1–2 minute science video that proposes a new solution to an everyday problem. As a “premier middle school science competition,” it offers mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the title “America’s Top Young Scientist”. In recent years, finalists have tackled problems in areas like robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.

Who can apply? Eligibility and Key Dates

The challenge is open to U.S. residents who are 10 years or older and enrolled in grades 5–8 at a public, private, parochial, charter, or home school. Only one entry per student is allowed, and former finalists are not eligible. Parents or legal guardians must register each student and submit a signed consent form before entry. (Employees or immediate family of 3M/Discovery Education are excluded.)

When is the timeline?

Although exact dates change yearly, the entry period typically opens in January and closes by April/May. For example, in a recent cycle students submitted videos from January through early May. Judging follows in late spring, with 10 finalists announced by early summer. The finalists then spend the summer working with a 3M mentor. In October a Final Event is held at 3M’s Minnesota Innovation Center, where winners (including the $25K grand prize winner) are announced. (State Merit and Honorable Mention winners are also named based on scores.)

Typical schedule (each year):

Fall–Winter: Prepare and register (create online profile, get consent form signed).
January–April: Submit your 1–2 minute video entry via the portal.
June: Finalists (top 10) and State Merit winners are announced (yearly trends show finalists by mid-summer).
July–Sept: Finalists work with their assigned 3M scientist mentors on refining their projects.
October: Final Event and award ceremony; the winner receives $25,000 and the “America’s Top Young Scientist” title.

How to Apply

To apply, parents/guardians must first register the student at the official portal (YoungScientistLab.com). During registration they download, sign, and upload a Parental Consent Form. After approval, the student completes the entry details. Then the student submits a video file (MP4) via the portal by the deadline. Important rules: only the student may appear on camera, and the work must be entirely the student’s own. No group entries are allowed.

Steps to apply:

Parent Profile: Parent clicks “Register for the Challenge,” creates an account, and enters student info.
Consent Form: Download, sign and upload the official Parental Consent Form. Without this, the entry is invalid.
Video Submission: Student uploads their final video (60–120 seconds) through the portal and clicks “Submit” before the closing date. Keep a copy of the video, and note that each student gets only one submission.
Confirmation: The portal confirms receipt. Students should not re-submit after the deadline; any changes or late entries risk disqualification.

By following these steps carefully and watching for email updates, families ensure their application to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge is complete and on time.

The Challenge Requirements

The core challenge is to identify an everyday problem and propose a novel, science-based solution. The problem should affect you, your family, your community, or the world. You must develop a new innovation or solution, not just suggest a behavior change or a new use of an existing product. Once you have an idea, prepare a concise 1–2 minute video that covers the following (as outlined in the Official Rules):

Aligns with one of the official topics (e.g. robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, climate tech).
Explains the problem clearly and why it matters (impact on the student, family, community or beyond).
Describes the new solution: what it is, how it works, and how it solves the problem.
Explains the science or engineering behind it: the STEM concepts (science, tech, engineering, math) that make it possible.
Shows potential impact: describe how your innovation could help others or be applied on a broader scale.
Citations: If you use any facts, figures, or non-original materials (images, quotes, data), give proper credit in the video (spoken or on-screen). (References should not dominate – judges want to see your own idea and explanation.)

In short, your video must tell a persuasive science story. Judges want to see that you understand the problem, have done research, and can communicate clearly. (They typically score 10 finalists on creativity (30%), scientific knowledge (30%), communication (20%) and presentation (20%).) Remember: the innovation must come from you. Work independently and do not use AI to create your idea or video. Any form of plagiarism or copying will lead to disqualification.

Safety Guidelines and Required Permits

Safety is a priority. The official rules include strict safety guidelines and advise checking local regulations. In general:

Prohibited materials: You cannot use human blood/body fluids, live animals, firearms/explosives, poisonous plants, or radioactive materials in your project.
Safe practice: Always wear appropriate safety gear (goggles, gloves, etc.) and minimize hazards. Keep chemicals to small quantities and dispose properly. Never taste unknown substances. Test demos carefully before filming.
Permits: Some demos (e.g. drones, lasers, powerful magnets, large electrical setups, public fireworks, etc.) may require state or local permits. The rules warn: “Always check to see if certain elements of your demonstration require you to obtain state and/or local permits,” and obtain them before your project. In practice, this means consulting a teacher or community safety officials if your project uses regulated items.
Practice: Rehearse your demonstration and video. The rules suggest “Always practice your demonstration before filming”, ensuring your presentation is smooth and safe.

By following these guidelines, you keep yourself and others safe and avoid risking disqualification.

Judging Criteria and Awards

Understanding what judges look for and what you can win is key. In the initial round, judges evaluate each video on creativity, science content, communication, and presentation. They select up to 10 finalists (plus State Merit and Honorable Mentions). The Prizes include:

Grand Prize: Title of America’s Top Young Scientist and $25,000 cash for the winner. The winner also receives a trophy and a unique travel experience.
Finalist Prizes: Each of the 10 finalists receives $1,000 (awarded as a check) and a paid trip to the Final Event. At the Final Event (in October), finalists present their improved projects and face additional STEM challenges. Judges then award 2nd–10th place (runner-ups) and announce the grand winner. Runner-ups each get a travel prize (around $2,000 each.)
State Merit and Honorable Mentions: Up to 51 State Merit winners (one per state/DC) are recognized for top state-level scoring; they receive a 3M prize pack (swag bag). Up to four Honorable Mentions (one per grade) also get a certificate and swag.
Other rewards: All finalists participate in an exclusive summer mentorship with a 3M scientist (earning guidance but not additional cash), and finalists visit 3M labs and the Innovation Center.

This structure makes 3M YSC much like winning a national science fair: success brings scholarships, mentorship, media exposure and career-building opportunities. (Past winners have given TED talks, filed patents, and even shown inventions at the White House.)

Tips for Success

To maximize your chances, start early and focus on clarity and creativity. Here are some strategies based on past finalists’ advice:

Choose a high-impact problem. Pick an issue that truly interests you and affects real people (your family, school, or community). Brainstorm many problems (natural disasters, health, environment, technology gaps) and narrow down to one you can address with science.
Be innovative. Judges reward “out-of-the-box” solutions. Try to invent something people haven’t seen before. Even if your project involves complex science (like coding or chemistry), explain it in simple terms. The idea must be a new solution, not just a minor tweak of an existing product.
Research thoroughly. Understand the science behind the problem. Read books, websites, or do small experiments. This depth shows in your video and Q&A. (Avoid using AI to generate your solution – you may only use AI tools for simple tests, as allowed in the rules.)
Plan your video (storyboard). Write a script and draw a storyboard for your 1–2 minute video. Decide what you will say and show in each scene. Keep your message focused. Practice your lines out loud and time yourself.
Work with a mentor (but stay independent). While you must do your own work, it’s wise to ask a teacher, parent, or local scientist to be your guide. They can help you refine your idea and make sure you’re on track without doing the work for you.
Polish your presentation. Communication counts for 40% of your score. Practice speaking clearly, use confident body language, and explain technical terms. Record yourself and have friends/family give feedback. Make sure the video has good lighting and clear audio.
Emphasize science and impact. In the video, explain the science behind your solution and demonstrate it if possible. Also highlight the broader impact: how could others use or benefit from your idea?
Follow all rules exactly. Review the official rules checklists. Cite any sources you use. Do not go over 2 minutes (or under 1 minute). Only you should appear in the video. Small errors (like missing consent or incorrect video format) can disqualify an entry.
Practice interview skills. If you become a finalist, you’ll present your project and face questions from judges. Practice answering questions about your work and decision process. Being able to discuss your project fluently can help you win the top prize.

Consistent tips from past winners emphasize originality and clarity. As one 3M YSC mentor advises, “Make sure your idea is something new, and communicate it with passion.” Watching videos from previous finalists (posted on the Young Scientist Lab site) can also give you a sense of winning presentations.