K-8 Learners
Opportunities & Learning Materials:
- 3M Young Scientist Lab - Discovery Education and 3M have partnered to inspire the next generation of innovators through the Young Scientist Lab. Through K-8 standards-aligned resources and at-home DIY science experiments, along with the award-winning annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the Young Scientist Lab seeks to remove barriers and create accessible STEM learning for middle school students.
- Check out the 2023 Top Young Scientist, Heman Bekele, and his development of a skin cancer treatment
- Heman Bekele was also named the Time Magazine's 2024 Kid of the Year! Read an interview about his experience.
- Check out the 2023 Top Young Scientist, Heman Bekele, and his development of a skin cancer treatment
- National Science Foundation Game Make Awards - A video game design competition for K-12 students with the theme 'Life in 2100'. The U.S. National Science Foundation Game Maker Awards is an exciting opportunity for students in grades K-12 to showcase their creativity, technical skills and passion for game design. Now inviting entries - due by Jan. 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST.
- The Journal of Emerging Investigators is a science journal and mentorship program publishing research by middle school scientists. Resources also include a mini-PhD program and "ask a scientist".
STEM Opportunities in Iowa or the Midwest:
- The Belin-Blank Center at University of Iowa believes that students deserve the chance to learn new things, develop their talents, and make friends who share their interests and abilities. Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend your summer, a way to add challenge to your school day, or even to start college early, we have something to meet your unique needs as a gifted learner. Please note that students do not need to be in a gifted program or identified as gifted to participate in their programs. Their website includes information on several elementary and middle school programs during the academic year and over the summer.
- The Iowa 4-H Youth Development’s 2025 State Science + Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI) serves as a platform for student researchers (grades 6 – 12) to meet with professional researchers and communicate their findings and understanding of the research process. The SSTFI is an affiliate of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and will occur on March 27 & 28, 2025 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa.