Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Maine Line ‘Young scientist’ to compete
T/E student one of top 10 finalists who will compete in October
BERWYN » Discovery Education and 3M announced the 10 finalists from across America who will participate in a “young scientist” challenge, including one student from Pennsylvania.
Leo Wylonis, an eighthgrade Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School student from Berwyn, is among the top 10 finalists from across America who will compete for the title of young scientist and a grand prize of $25,000. The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes students in grades 6-8 who use scientific thinking to create an innovation that will improve lives in their local communities or globally.
“I entered because I want the ability to learn from the experience as well as other students and 3M engineers about different topics,” Wylonis said. He added that he wants to be an engineer or architect because he loves to design and build new things.
Wylonis designed a device for airplane wings that mimics the twisting motion of a bird in flight, and increases fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions. He will partner with a 3M scientist through a summer mentorship program, where they will meet virtually to turn his concept into a reality.
“The Wright brothers built the first airplane with twisting wings actuated by human muscles,” Wylonis said on his online profile. “The new PAM Actuator is a light artificial muscle-powered actuator for shape-shifting wings.”
Students submitted short videos that describe a new invention or idea that could solve or impact an everyday problem. Of hundreds who entered, judges selected 10 finalists which includes seven boys and three girls, ranging in ages from 12-14 from public and private schools.
“The Young Scientist Challenge has not only supported students in achieving their dreams, but it has also provided the 3M team with the opportunity to contribute to the future of science in a special way,” Paul Keel, senior vice president of Business Development and Marketing-Sales at 3M, said in a statement. “As we look toward the next chapter of 3M’s involvement in youth development, we are tremendously proud to be a part of shaping our next educators, entrepreneurs and inventors.”
Finalists will work oneon-one with 3M scientists during a summer mentorship program to develop their ideas into a working solution that has potential to positively impact the population locally or internationally. Students will meet virtually with their mentors, who provide guidance from concept to prototype. Throughout the program, each student will have access to resources provided by 3M and Discovery Education.
“Year after year, we have been honored to witness firsthand the ingenuity and charisma of the nation’s youngest generation,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Discovery Education. “3M shares our unwavering support for children who, no matter their age, seize the opportunity to solve real-world problems and who encourage their peers to explore the power of science.”
All 10 finalists receive $1,000 and a trip to 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., to participate in the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center in October. A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. The winner will receive $25,000, a trip to watch the taping of a Discovery Network show and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”