April 1, 2012

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

Introducing the Science in Action Award

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." — Ben Franklin 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.

By Mariette DiChristina

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

– Ben Franklin

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

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.

– Mariette DiChristina, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Mariette DiChristina, Steering Group chair, is dean and professor of the practice in journalism at the Boston University College of Communication. She was formerly editor in chief of Scientific American and executive vice president, Magazines, for Springer Nature.

More by Mariette DiChristina

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe