Press Release

Student and Teacher Finalists Compete in National Science Competition at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center October 5 and 6

By SpaceRef Editor
October 3, 2008
Filed under , ,

WHAT: The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is bringing 10 middle school student finalists and five teacher finalists to the nation’s Capital from October 5 to 6, 2008 for the competition finals. Students will vie for the chance to win $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) as well as the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” while five teacher finalists contend for recognition as “America’s Top Science Teacher.” NASA will host the competition finals at its world-renowned Goddard Space Flight Center, where students and teachers will demonstrate their science prowess in a series of team-based, interactive challenges focused on this year’s theme, “The Science of Space” (schedule outline below).

Student Finalists:

  • Avni Bavishi from Hoffman Estates, IL
  • Margaret Botros from Wichita, KS
  • Shyamal Buch from Folsom, CA
  • Megan Gleason from Tucson, AZ
  • Michael Koehler from Allison Park, PA
  • James Kruse from New Brighton, MN
  • Peter Ku from Princeton Junction, NJ
  • Mathew McGuthry from Richmond Hill, GA
  • Melissa Rey from Chesterfield, MO
  • Jack Uesugi from Wahiawa, HI

NOTE: Student submission videos can be viewed at http://www.discoveryeducation.com/YoungScientist.

Teacher Finalists:

  • Edward Evans from Welch, WV
  • Lania Ho from Melbourne, FL
  • Paul Kuhlman from Avon, SD
  • Steve Latshaw from Westlake Village, CA
  • Philip Pack from Kingston, PA

WHO: Ten student finalists and five teacher finalists, in addition to scientists, educators and representatives from Discovery Education, 3M and NASA.

WHEN: Sunday, October 5, 2008
8:00 AM-2:00 PM and 3:15-4:45 PM

Monday, October 6, 2008
8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 4:00-6:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM

WHERE: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
8800 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20771

[Oct. 6, 7:00-9:00 PM — Discovery Communications Headquarters
One Discovery Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910]

SpaceRef staff editor.