Broadcom Foundation Announce 2016 Middle School STEM Competition Semifinalists

Sixth Annual Broadcom MASTERS Semifinalists Include Top 300 U.S. Middle School Students competing for Trip to Washington, DC and $25,000 Samueli Prize 

WASHINGTON, DC – September 6, 2016

  • Top 300 semifinalists selected to compete in sixth annual Broadcom MASTERS® — the nation’s most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students 
  • Semifinalists represent 37 states, including 54 semifinalists from California; 41 from Florida; 28 from Texas; 17 from New York; and 16 from Pennsylvania 
  • 30 finalists to be named September 20 and competition scheduled for October 27-November 2; top place winner receives the Samueli Prize of $25,000 
  • More women than men among top 300 competing in Broadcom MASTERS 

Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science & the Public today announced the selection of the top 300 students as semifinalists in the sixth annual Broadcom MASTERS® — the nation’s most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students. 

Semifinalists’ names and a state-by-state breakdown can be found at https://student.societyforscience.org/broadcom-masters-2016-semifinalists or http://www.broadcomfoundation.org/masters/semifinalists/2016. 

The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) rewards sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who follow their personal passions in science or engineering at 300 regional and state science fairs and inspires them to continue their studies in math and science throughout high school. As the students apply Project-Based Learning to the scientific method and the engineering process through hands-on challenges and competitions, they learn the 21st century skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity.

“Broadcom MASTERS inspires middle school students from all walks of life to envision their future as scientists, engineers and innovators. We are delighted to see growing interest in STEM fields among both girls and boys,” said Paula Golden, President of the Broadcom Foundation. “This year marks the Broadcom MASTERS highest competition pool ever, with thousands of nominees nationwide entering their research projects for consideration by prestigious scientists and engineers throughout the nation.  Along with a high-five to the top 300 semifinalists, we want to send a shout-out to every nominee selected by fair judges around the country. You are all STEM champions and role models in your communities!”

Semifinalists’ independent research projects include a broad range of topics such as:

  • Wearable Therapeutic Device with Bluetooth for Elderly Sarcopenia Patients and Caregivers
  • Cryptic Cryptocurrency: A Statistical Analysis of Possible Factors Driving the Value of Bitcoin
  • OpenRoad: A Cost-Efficient Solution to Drowsy Driving
  • Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: Accuracy of the Point of Origin Calculation
  • Did Juvenile Spinosaurids Spend Time in the Ocean?
  • Reducing Adolescent Stress via Predictive Machine Learning Models

Semifinalist Data Points:

  • Semifinalists represent 250 middle schools in 37 states, and represent 126 regional and state science fairs across the U.S.
  • Semifinalists were selected from more than 6,000 nominees and 2,434 applicants.  Each application received three independent readings and evaluations by distinguished scientists, engineers and educators. Nominees qualified to enter the Broadcom MASTERS by placing among the top 10 percent of the participants at their Society-affiliated science fairs.
  • The 30 Broadcom MASTERS finalists will be announced on September 20. Finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC from October 27 – November 2 to showcase their science fair projects and compete in a four-day STEM competition for awards and prizes, including the top education award of $25,000 presented by the Samueli Foundation.
  • Semifinalists represent 37 states including 54 semifinalists from California; 41 from Florida; 28 from Texas; 17 from New York; and 16 from Pennsylvania.

“We are extremely proud to join with the Broadcom Foundation in congratulating the 300 semifinalists selected,” said Maya Ajmera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of the Science News. “We hope competitions like Broadcom MASTERS inspire them to pursue their passions and become the next generation of scientists and engineers that help make the world a better place.”

Sponsored by Broadcom Foundation, a nonprofit public benefit corporation funded by Broadcom Corporation, the Broadcom MASTERS is a program of Society for Science & the Public. The Society has managed the world’s most prestigious science competitions for more than seven decades.

As a semifinalist, each student will receive a prize package containing an award ribbon; semifinalist certificate of accomplishment; Broadcom MASTERS backpack; a Broadcom MASTERS decal; an Inventor’s Notebook and copy of Howtoons: Tools of Mass Construction graphic novel, courtesy of The Lemelson Foundation; a one year subscription to Mathematica+ software, courtesy of Wolfram Research; and a one year family digital subscription to Science News magazine. In recognition of the role that teachers play in the success of their students, each semifinalist’s designated teacher also will receive a Broadcom MASTERS tote bag and a one year subscription to Science News magazine, courtesy of KPMG.

Resources:

For more information on the Broadcom MASTERS, visit the Broadcom Foundation and Society websites or visit Broadcom Foundation’s Newsroom and read the B-Inspired Blog.

To keep up with the Broadcom MASTERS on Twitter, use hashtag #brcmMASTERS or follow Broadcom and SSP. And to stay connected, visit the Broadcom MASTERS and SSP Facebook pages.

About Broadcom Foundation

Founded in April 2009, the Broadcom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with its main mission to advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education by funding research, recognizing scholarship and increasing opportunity.

The foundation inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through its signature programs, the Broadcom MASTERS® and the Broadcom MASTERS® International, premier science and engineering competitions for middle school students around the United States and the world. Learn more at www.broadcomfoundation.org/masters

About Society for Science & the Public

Society for Science & the Public is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the achievement of young researchers in independent research and to the public engagement in science. Established in 1921, its vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its acclaimed education competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning publications, Science News and Science News for Students, Society for Science & the Public is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. Learn more at www.societyforscience.org.  

Society for Science & the Public Press Contact: 
Sarah Wood
202-872-5110
swood@societyforscience.org