Innovation


 * FALL/WINTER:**
 * EXPLORAVISION:** **@http://www.exploravision.org**

**WHAT IS EXPLORAVISION?** ExploraVision is a science competition that goes beyond the typical student science competition and into what it takes to bring ideas to reality. Mrs. De Torre will guide participants as they work in groups of 2 – 4 to simulate real research and development. Students will pick a current technology, research it, envision what it might look like in 20 years, and describe the development steps, pros & cons, and obstacles. Past winners have envisioned technologies ranging from a hand-held food allergen detector to a new device to help people who have lost limbs regain movement in real time.  
 * Mrs. De Torre will help you work on a project in a small group.
 * Upper Elementary: grades 4, 5, 6
 * The projects must be submitted by January 30, 2014. Entrants must also complete ExploraVision entry form, an Abstract, a Project Description, and five Sample Web Pages.
 * SPRING**
 * Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge**
 * @http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/about3m/innovations.cfm**


 * The Search for America's Next Top Young Scientist: **The 2013 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge asked students to create a 1-2 minute video describing a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem related to how we live, how we work or how we play. Ten finalists were chosen for their passion for science, spirit of innovation and communication skills. Here, you can meet the finalists and follow their summer adventures by reading their blog entries! **Anfani Lawal, one of USM's current 7th graders, won a regional prize!** What will the 2014 challenge look like, and who is ready to join the challenge?

MRS. DE TORRE