The countdown to choosing the nation's top young scientist began today as Discovery Communications announced the 400 middle school students from around the country selected as semifinalists in the 2006 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC). The DCYSC is the nation's premier science contest for students in grades 5-8. The competition, created by Discovery Communications, gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and push their limits as they explore the world of science.


"Discovery is proud to continue the tradition of supporting middle school education and cultivating the next generation of American scientists," said John Hendricks, Founder and Chairman, Discovery Communications. "Each year, the breadth of knowledge demonstrated by the DCYSC's 400 semifinalists is inspiring and a bit humbling. These young men and women have the intelligence, energy, creativity and dedication to become the nation's scientific trailblazers of the future. We remain committed to celebrating their achievements and scientific learning."


The full list of 400 semifinalists, their hometowns and schools and the titles of their winning entries can be found at: http://www.discovery.com/dcysc.


The Semifinalists


The 400 semifinalists, and contenders for the title of "America's Top Young Scientist," come from 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia and were selected from a group of 1,900 formal entries, initially chosen from a pool of 70,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide. The top state represented is Florida with 36 semifinalists. California and Texas each have 32 semifinalists, and Missouri and Utah each have 18.


The 400 projects selected to advance to the semifinals run the scientific gamut, from biochemistry to physics, from zoology to health, and from mathematics to engineering. Each of the students submitted projects that were innovative and imaginative, with a level of complexity that might make the average adult's head spin. These semifinalists were also chosen for their ability to effectively communicate the reasoning and purpose behind their projects.


"As the United States struggles to compete with other nations in the fields of science and technology, Americans need goal-oriented, knowledgeable and imaginative students who excel in these areas. This year's semifinalists fit the bill exquisitely," said Steve Jacobs, DCYSC Head Judge. "Even more impressive, and a fundamental part of our competition, is their skill in explaining their work to others, a prerequisite of scientific leadership."


The countdown to choosing America's Top Young Scientist continues next month, on September 14th, when the field of 400 semifinalists is narrowed by the DCYSC judges to the "Final Forty." The young scientists will use their scientific know-how to find solutions to this year's five-part challenge. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."


About the Competition


In 1999, Discovery created the DCYSC to be a part of the solution to alleviate America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The contest responds to evidence that academic performance and interest in science among American students declines dramatically as students get older -- particularly during the middle school years.


The DCYSC identifies and honors America's top middle school student who demonstrates the best skills in leadership, teamwork and scientific problem solving. In addition, the ability to be an effective science communicator -- a goal that reflects Discovery's philosophy that scientific knowledge is most valuable when it is communicated and shared -- is a key component of the judging.


More than 13,000 children have entered the DCYSC since its inception eight years ago. Winners have received approximately $700,000 in scholarship awards and federal government recognition, and have participated in science-related trips that have taken them to the far corners of the globe.


Discovery is pleased to have Elmer's as a DCYSC sponsor. Elmer's has a proud tradition of supporting education, including science. Elmer's believes science taught through Science Fairs serves as a major benefit to students, allowing students to develop skills in problem solving, research, writing, public speaking and time management.