COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO CHOOSE
"AMERICA'S TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR"

400 Middle School Semifinalists from 43 States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Named to Compete in Cutting Edge Science Competition

Silver Spring, MD - The countdown to choosing the nation's top young scientist began today as Discovery Communications announced the 400 middle school students from around the country selected as semifinalists in the 2005 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC). The DCYSC is the nation's premier science contest for students in grades 5-8. The competition gives students the opportunity to test their knowledge and push their limits as they explore the world of science.

"Discovery is proud to continue its tradition of supporting middle school education and cultivating the next generation of American scientists. These students have the knowledge, enthusiasm and imagination to become the scientific trailblazers of tomorrow," said Judith A. McHale, President and CEO, Discovery Communications. "The breadth of knowledge demonstrated by the 400 semifinalists is inspiring and sets an example for anyone who wants to explore the world around them."

The full list of 400 semifinalists, their hometowns and schools and the titles of their winning entries can be found at: http://www.discovery.com/dcysc/

 

The Semifinalists

The 400 semifinalists come from 43 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and were selected from a formal pool of 1,966 formal entries, initially chosen from a pool of 75,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide. The top states represented are Florida and Texas with (43), California (25), and Georgia, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania (15). The 400 semifinalists and contenders for the title of "America's Top Young Scientist" are split nearly evenly between girls and boys.

The 400 projects selected to advance to the semifinals run the scientific gamut, from biochemistry to physics, from zoology to health, and from mathematics to engineering. Each of the students submitted projects that were innovative and imaginative, with a level of complexity that might make the average adult's head spin. These semifinalists were also chosen for their ability to effectively communicate the reasoning and purpose behind their projects.

"These students are primed to conquer the challenges of science and have the potential to one day change our world through their future discoveries," said Steve Jacobs, DCYSC Head Judge. "Even more impressive, and a fundamental part of our competition, is their success in explaining their work to others, a prerequisite of scientific leadership."

The countdown to choosing America's top young scientist continues next month, on September 14, when the field of 400 semifinalists is narrowed by the DCYSC judges to the "Final Forty." These 40 finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. October 15-19, where they will take part in the DCYSC finalist competition at the Cole Field House at the University of Maryland. The finalists will compete in team-based, interactive challenges designed around the theme of "Forces of Nature." The young scientists will have to use their scientific know-how to find solutions to some of Mother Nature's most extreme challenges. 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."

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 9,500 children have entered the DCYSC since its inception. Winners have received more than $500,000 in scholarship awards, federal government recognition and participated in science-related trips that have taken them to the far corners of the globe.

Discovery is pleased to have Elmer's Products, Inc. as DCYSC sponsor. Elmer's has a proud tradition of supporting education, including Science. Elmer's believes Science taught through Science Fairs serves as a major benefit to students, allowing students to develop skills in problem solving, research, writing, public speaking and time management.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Español, Discovery Kids En Español, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

Society for Science & the Public administers the DCYSC. Society for Science & the Public is a Washington, DC based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science around the globe through publications, outreach, and educational programs. One of the most respected organizations advancing the cause of science, Society for Science & the Public has a sterling reputation for producing high-quality competitions on the national and international level, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and for the publication of Science News.

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