AMERICA'S TOP 40 MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENTISTS TO FACE OFF IN THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE

Finalists to Take Part in Special Flight-Related Challenges in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Wright Brothers' Discovery

Compete for Title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year"

(Silver Spring, MD) - September 17, 2003 - The nation's top 40 middle school scientists today were notified that they have advanced to the finals of the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC), the nation's premiere science contest for students grades 5-8. Representing 16 states, the finalists are now gearing up to fly to Washington, DC, to compete for the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

Discovery Communications, Inc. launched the competition in partnership with Society for Science & the Public to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. Now in its fifth year, the DCYSC recognizes the children who demonstrate the best leadership, teamwork, communication and scientific problem solving skills.

"There is no better way to encourage our young people's interest in science than events like the Discovery Channel Young Scientists Challenge, which rewards creativity and imagination, while helping students develop other valuable communications skills they will rely on for their entire lives," said Judith A. McHale, President and COO of Discovery Communications, Inc.

The High-Flying Final Exam

During the competition, the 40 finalists will be judged in a rigorous two-day series of team-based experiments. In celebration of 100 years of flight, the DCYSC will feature challenges that reflect aspects of the evolution of air travel, including wing dynamics, fuel efficiency, air speed and aerospace. Rocket cars, spy copters and gliders will play a role in this year's kid-thrilling science competition, which will be taped for broadcast on The Discovery Channel.

"The Wright Brothers were the same age as our forty finalists when they first began experimenting with flight," said Program Director Kyle O'Connor. "To create an authentic experience, we have designed a series of experiments that will make our students feel like they are facing the same challenges the Wright Brothers did in their bike shop back in Dayton."

The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

The Finalists

The finalists represent 16 states, including Arizona (3), California (8), Florida (5), Georgia (1), Indiana (1), Maryland (1), Missouri (3), New Mexico (2), New York (1), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (5), Utah (4), West Virginia (1) and Wyoming (1).

The finalists were chosen based upon the excellence of their projects presented at local Society for Science & the Public-affiliated science fairs across the country. During the DCYSC finals, the kids will present their research projects to judges to demonstrate their communications skills and creative thinking. Descriptions of the finalists' projects are available at www.discovery.com/dcysc.

About the Competition

In 1999, Discovery created the DCYSC to be a part of the solution to America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The contest responds to evidence that academic performance and interest in science among American students declines dramatically as students get older - particularly during the middle school years.

The DCYSC identifies and honors America's top middle school student who demonstrates the best skills in leadership, teamwork and scientific problem solving. In addition, the ability to be an effective science communicator  - a goal that reflects Discovery's philosophy that scientific knowledge is most valuable when it is communicated and shared - is a key component of the judging.

More than 6,000 children have entered the DCYSC since its inception. Winners have received more than $400,000 in scholarship awards, federal government recognition and participated in science-related trips that have taken them to the far corners of the globe.

The DCYSC is proud to announce GMC and Leapfrog as distinguished sponsors.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. DCI has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 155 countries and territories with over 950 million cumulative subscribers. DCI's 33 networks of distinctive programming represent 14 entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Wings Channel, Discovery Home & Leisure Channel, Discovery en Español, HD Theater and The Health Network. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery.com and 138 Discovery Channel retail stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE: L), Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE: COX), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder, Chairman and CEO.

Society for Science & the Public administers the DCYSC. One of the most respected non-profit organizations advancing the cause of science, Society for Science & the Public has a sterling reputation for conducting high-quality competitions on the national and international level, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Society for Science & the Public in a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science among people of all ages through publications and educational programs.