Google hosts online science fair

DAILY DOT COM - Google is announcing an open call for global entries to its second annual online Science Fair competition—the largest online science fair in the world.

Students ages 13 to 18 worldwide are invited to submit their research findings about some of the most challenging problems of our day, from renewable energy to cancer research.

The Google Science Fair is built on the idea that talent is universal, but opportunity is not.

The competition offers an outlet for young scientists anywhere to test novel ideas that could change the world. Because submissions are accepted entirely online, all you need to participate from anywhere are curiosity and an Internet connection.

"Google was founded on experimentation and exploration through science. So we'd like to encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers and support that kind of curiosity with them," said Maggie Johnson, Team Leader of the Google Science Fair.

 
From Jan. 12 through April 1, 2012, students across the globe will be able to submit their research projects online in one of 13 different languages.

Google is partnering with National Geographic, CERN, Scientific American and LEGO to inspire scientific exploration among the next generation of scientists and engineers, and to unite students around the world in their quest for learning.

In May, Google will announce the 15 global finalists who will be flown to Google’s Headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.

There will also be a “Science in Action” Award, sponsored by Scientific American, for a project that addresses a social, environmental or health issue to make a practical difference in the lives of a group or community.

In 2011, Shree Bose of Fort Worth, Texas, won first place for her research on ovarian cancer. Her project was one of 7,500 projects submitted by more than 10,000 students in 90 countries worldwide.

"When I first got into the lab I knew I loved being in there and doing the sort of work I was doing. And I loved putting together this entire project,and that's one of the things that the judges are looking for. They want to find kids that are really excited and interested in what they are learning," Bose said.

In addition to a college scholarship fund and international recognition of her research, Bose met President Obama and was named one of Glamour magazine’s 2011 Young Amazing Women of the Year.

Prizes for the winners include scholarships, internships and once-in-a-lifetime experiences with our Science Fair partners.