With a focus on the environment and sustainable development, the 40 students who go on to qualify as finalists will tackle some of the planet’s most significant environmental challenges in a competition in Washington, D.C., dubbed Operation Green, with the winner chosen between Oct. 21 through 24.

The semifinalists were selected from 1,960 formal entries chosen from a pool of 75,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide. Texas leads all states with 40 semifinalists; followed by Florida with 37, California with 35, Utah with 16 and Michigan and Ohio, both with 15.

In its ninth year, the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science contest for students in grades five through eight, designed to encourage the exploration of science during the critical middle school years.  Discovery Communications launched the competition in partnership with Science Service to nurture the next generation of American scientists at a critical age when interest in science begins to decline. 

In this year’s competition, students will investigate climate change, global warming and eco-friendly initiatives such as recycling and green building design. The contest’s environmental theme reflects Discovery Communications’ long-standing mission to preserve and protect our planet – a commitment that moves to a new level with the launch in early 2008 of Planet Green, a TV channel in more than 50 million homes dedicated to all things green.

“The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge has always been an important part of our company’s commitment to science education. There is a real crisis in this country when it comes to scientific proficiency, and Discovery Communications remains steadfast in our mission to advance science literacy and achievement across America’s school system,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications. 

The contest identifies and honors those who best demonstrate leadership, teamwork, scientific problem-solving and the ability to be an effective science communicator – a goal that reflects Discovery’s philosophy that scientific knowledge is most valuable when it is shared. This year’s qualifying science fair projects draw upon a broad array of disciplines, including biochemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering and zoology.

"The Young Scientist Challenge targets students as they first pursue seriously their innate fascination with the natural world,” said Elizabeth Marincola, President and CEO, Science Service, the non-profit organization that administers the Challenge. “In partnership with Discovery Communica-tions, Science Service is delighted to nurture these outstanding young scientists, encouraging their interest in research and helping build their skills in promoting public engagement in science.”

The countdown to choosing America’s top young scientist continues Sept. 12, when the field is narrowed by the Challenge judges to the “Final Forty.” In October, the 40 finalists and their families will come to Washington, D.C., where they will take part in a series of team-based, interactive challenges focused on this year’s environmental theme. 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 semifinalists were selected from 1,960 formal entries chosen from a pool of 75,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide. Texas leads all states with 40 semifinalists; followed by Florida with 37, California with 35, Utah with 16 and Michigan and Ohio, both with 15.

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

In 1999, Discovery created the Young Scientist Challenge to help lift achievement in science and math among middle school students. Nearly 16,000 children have entered the Young Scientist Challenge since its inception. Winners have received approximately $700,000 in scholarship awards and federal government recognition, and have participated in science-related trips that have taken them around the world.