Kids are born scientists. They ask great questions, and as Ben Franklin—one of the original "scientific Americans"—pointed out so eloquently, we should foster their efforts to learn the answers firsthand. One such opportunity is the Google Science Fair. This international online competition, launched in 2011, drew more than 7,000 entries last year from inquiring young minds located in 91 countries; the fair has three age categories, for teens from 13 to 18. I was a finalist judge and master of ceremonies for the amazing awards event in July 2011. The grand prizewinner, Shree Bose, won $50,000 for her work in improving a cancer therapy [see "Her Summer Pastime? Cancer Research," by John Matson; Scientific American, September 2011.]
This year, Scientific American is delighted to help expand the awards honors by sponsoring a $50,000 Science in Action award for a project that addresses a social, environmental or health issue to make a practical difference in the lives of a group or community. We are also securing volunteer mentors for the winner. More information, along with an inspiring video of a Science in Action-style project by one of last year''s finalists, Harine Ravichandran of India, is below and at www.google.com/sciencefair.
I can't wait to see what questions the young scientists of tomorrow will be asking this time around. Entries for the Science in Action award and the Google Science Fair are closed. Stay tuned for award announcements. Best wishes to the entrants! More information is at www.google.com/sciencefair.
— Mariette DiChristina, Editor in Chief, Scientific American
Learn about 13 teens who have developed clever ideas to help make a difference in people's lives.
Time is running out. Science in Action and Google Science Fair Judge Mariette DiChristina, editor in chief of Scientific American, tells you what you could win and what to do to enter.
The key is combining the correct use of the scientific method with a fresh idea
Check out these classics from science fair judges, with examples of good and bad responses
Parents and students can start here for tips on designing an original, creative, and technically correct science fair project.
What's your question?
The first annual Google Science Fair kicks off in New York City.
SA Editor in Chief Mariette DiChristina interviews Science Fair Judge Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at New York University
Fifteen student finalists from across the globe, selected from thousands of entrants, were flown to Google headquarters to compete for the grand prize
Co-founder of Solar CITIES e.V.
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Editor in Chief, Scientific American
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Deputy Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
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Vice President, Ashoka
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Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, World Bank Group
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Director, The Earth Institute at Columbia University
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Modes Gomberg Collegiate Professor of Chemistry and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, World Bank Group
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Associate Director, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy, Co-Director of the Clean Energy Incubator, Austin Technology Incubator, and Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin
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