Enter Discovery's Young Scientist Challenge (and Maybe Get on Mythbusters!)

Students and teachers, this one's for you: the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge is on, and they're looking for a few great science enthusiasts. The premier national science competition for students in grades 5 through 8 is designed to encourage the exploration of science among America's youth and to promote the importance of science communication. And if you're lucky, you might earn a chance to join the Discovery Channel Mythbusters on a special episode, to bust some green science myths.

Four 2007 finalists did just that in an episode that will air this weekend, on Sunday, April 27 at 11 am; check your local listings and the Mythbusters website to be sure. Fresh from their adventures competing to be the top young scientist in America at the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge for 2007, four of the finalists went to San Francisco to bust green myths alongside Adam, Jamie, and the rest of the Mythbusters crew. Sounds like fun, right? Read on to see how you might be able to join them.

The competition is accepting short video entries of 1-2 minutes about this year's theme -- The Science of Space -- now through June 15. The entries should demonstrate the student's understanding of the scientific concepts explained and his or her comfort level discussing science in general. Between June 15 and early September, judges from Faraday Studios will review the submissions and choose 51 semifinalists: one from each state and the District of Columbia. Students will be judged on the scientific merit of their video and, just as importantly, on their ability to communicate science.

In late fall, 10 finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, for the competition finals, consisting of a series of individual and team challenges, some of which take place in front of a live audience. At the end of the competition, American's Top Young Scientist will be awarded a $50,000 savings bond.

 Now in its tenth year, the competition has expanded to include teachers for the first time. Science teachers who are members of the Discovery Educator Network (DEN) are invited to enter by submitting a short video. Check the rules and regulations for more details.

So, do you have what it takes to be America's Top Young Scientist? DEN's Science Teacher of the Year? Get all the details from the Discovery Young Scientist Challenge, and good luck!

Difficulty level: Moderate

Learn more about last year's Discovery Young Scientist Challenge on TreeHugger

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