The introduction of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in 2011 opened new doors to how we can teach science. The NGSS were developed by 26 state partners, the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and others in order to provide research-based standards for educators that stimulate students' interests in science and prepare them for the future.
As an advanced research specialist for 3M, a global company that creates products from first aid needs to office and school supplies to cleaning materials, I've worked with teams of scientists to brainstorm new technologies that aid in product creation. As part of that work, I now spread my passion for science as a mentor for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a competition where students are given the opportunity to share their scientific ideas using creativity and ingenuity. Our goal is to inspire all students through science; increase their confidence; and, hopefully, spark their interest in pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Students Bring Science to Life
For the challenge, young learners in grades 5–8 submit ideas that could solve or improve an everyday problem. A group of 10 finalists receives mentors to guide them during a summer mentorship program. Through research, scientific process, and experimentation, students create their chosen product, reworking their projects until they have a finalized presentation. During the competition in October, all finalists and mentors gather at the 3M headquarters in Maplewood, Minn. to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and compete in a series of scored challenges for a panel of judges.
Last year's winner, Gitanjali Rao, was inspired by the water crisis in Flint, Mich. Her idea was to create an inexpensive device to test drinking water for lead. Gitanjali's invention, dubbed 'Tethys,' used a disposable cartridge containing chemically treated carbon nanotube arrays to detect lead and send the results to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. Her submission earned her the $25,000 grand prize. Gitanjali's efforts have reimagined traditional methods of lead detection, resulting in a scientific breakthrough for water testing of lead contamination.
For this year's challenge, I'm working with 5th grader Anna Du, who created an underwater device that uses infrared light to detect harmful microplastics in the ocean. Her invention was inspired by her love for the ocean and desire to do something to help solve a major problem. She hopes to become an engineer. I mentored her over the summer, giving advice, feedback, and guidance on how to construct her invention plan, and finalize her presentation.
When students have space and time for scientific inquiry and investigation, they begin to develop the tools to thrive as part of the next generation of STEM superstars. The competition is a powerful reminder that when we allow students room to build initial interest in STEM and grow their potential as successful scientists or engineers, they are unstoppable.
STEM Accessibility Requires Hands-On Experience
Students must integrate three dimensions of science learning into the challenge: crosscutting, practices, and core ideas. Crosscutting helps students explore connections across physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design. Practices allow investigation into the natural world and design systems, while core ideas have broad importance across multiple STEM disciplines. These dimensions work in tandem as students build a cohesive understanding of science and its effect on real-world situations.
According to a 2013 study by researcher Xueli Wang, the more STEM exposure students receive while in school, the better chance they'll have to acquire important skills prior to graduation. Even if students don't pursue a career in STEM, they need opportunities to explore ideas, gain hands-on experience, and learn critical thinking skills.
Opportunities outside the classroom can foster meaningful growth, allow students to connect with other young scientists, and open their eyes to experiences that will show them just how much support is out there for them to pursue their dreams.