A new anti-flu vaccine. A battery- free flashlight. An improved signaling system for emergency vehicles. These are not new products being brought to us by large corporations or organizations; rather, they were created by teenagers and were finalists in the 2013 Google Science Fair.
The Google Science Fair is back for 2014. This year, Google asks entrants three questions:
What are you good at?
What do you love?
What do you want to change?
These questions represent the heart the Google Science Fair. This event aims to inspire and encourage young people to engage in scientific work that draws upon their passion and has personal meaning to them. Once participants create a (or use an already existing) Google account, they’ll carry out a test or experiment on a subject they’re passionate about and submit their project online.
All of this scientific endeavor pays off! Here’s a list of the fabulous prizes available for the taking:
Grand Prize includes a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions, an incredible experience at the Virgin Galactic Spaceport and $50,000 in scholarship funding.
The Voters Choice winner, given to the project with the greatest potential to change the world, receives a $10,000 grant from Google to help develop their project!
Other winners including Age Category winners, Global Finalists and Local Awards for projects tackling problems right in your neighborhood. Read more here about judging for the contest with National Geographic Explorer and four-time judge T.H. Culhane.
How to Get Started
Get started by visiting the Google Science Fair homepage to read more and sign up for the fair. Find examples of past projects and tips for kicking off your own idea. You’ll also find the rules and deadlines for the competition. Be sure to read them carefully!
Teachers and parents can visit this page for those supporting entrants. Resources include lesson plans by age group, posters to inspire and excite your students and tips on how to support students participation.
The competition closes May 12th so get started on your project today!
Written by Emily Connor, National Geographic Education
This is really a great program sponsored by Google. We have to encourage our young students to explore science as a career. The world needs great scientists!
This is a great program sponsored by Google. The demand for quality scientists will only increase in the future. We need to do anything we can to encourage students to love and study science!
This is really good event for students. If they would participate in such kind of events in their college or school days than they will get much more interest in science and also understand the real situation.