3M, in collaboration with Discovery Education, has revealed the 37 State Merit Winners and four Honorable Mention recipients for the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Now recognized as the leading science competition for middle school students in the United States, the challenge celebrates young innovators whose creative ideas demonstrate how science can address everyday challenges and create positive change.

Students in grades 5 through 8 participate by submitting a short video describing an original scientific solution to a real-world problem. Entries are judged on innovation, scientific understanding, and communication skills. This year's submissions covered a wide range of fields, including robotics, home improvement, automotive technology, safety, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and climate-focused innovations.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, emphasized that the competition showcases the ability of young people to combine scientific knowledge with creativity to solve practical problems. He noted that 3M remains committed to encouraging and supporting these future innovators as they develop ideas capable of making a meaningful impact.

Every year, the competition honors one Grand Prize winner, 10 finalists, four Honorable Mention recipients, and up to 51 State Merit Winners, representing all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. The 2026 State Merit Winners and Honorable Mention recipients were selected based on their enthusiasm for science, originality, problem-solving abilities, and effective presentation skills. State Merit Winners receive recognition on the official challenge website along with a commemorative prize package.

2026 State Merit Winners
The following students were selected as 2026 State Merit Winners, listed alphabetically by state:

2026 Honorable Mention Recipients
In addition to the State Merit Winners, four students earned Honorable Mention recognition for their exceptional creativity and strong communication skills:

Brian Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education, highlighted the importance of helping students connect classroom science with real-life applications. He remarked that the 3M Young Scientist Challenge inspires students to view STEM as a powerful tool for solving meaningful problems and congratulated all participants for their imagination, dedication, and perseverance.

Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
Celebrating its 19th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge continues to encourage middle school students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through innovative thinking and practical problem-solving. Alumni of the competition have gone on to deliver TED Talks, secure patents, establish nonprofit organizations, earn places on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, and showcase their work at the White House Science Fair.

To strengthen this growing community, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge Alumni Network, established in 2022, now includes more than 100 former winners, finalists, and mentors, providing opportunities for collaboration, networking, and continued engagement in STEM.

STEM Learning Resources
The competition is supported by the Young Scientist Lab, a free digital learning platform jointly developed by 3M and Discovery Education. The program offers standards-aligned, hands-on science activities designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and STEM skills among students of all ability levels. These resources are also available through Discovery Education Experience, helping educators, students, and families bring engaging science learning into classrooms and homes alike.

Click here to know more.

Since stepping into her role, Thompson has focused on helping teachers bring digital learning to life using resources from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ. She collaborates closely with her colleagues, guiding them in effectively using these tech-based lesson plans in their classrooms.

“I had already been a teacher within Kansas City Public Schools and was always passionate about educational technology,” Thompson shares. “Now, I still get to connect with students while also supporting teachers in becoming their best.”

Thompson plays a key role in implementing Verizon Innovative Learning HQ’s free lesson plans, which include over 450 tech-driven activities developed in partnership with organizations like McGraw Hill, Discovery Education, and Arizona State University. These plans span a variety of topics—from coding and game development to science and art.

Sometimes, a lesson calls for an app or tool not currently available at the school. When that happens, Thompson looks for creative alternatives. “We may not always have the exact tool a lesson suggests,” she explains, “but the detailed outlines in each plan help me find effective substitutes using what we already have.”

A standout favorite among students is the Stop-Motion Animation lesson, which encourages hands-on creativity while reinforcing STEM concepts. Though the lesson recommends a specific app, Thompson identified a similar tool already installed on school devices. Fifth-grader Gabriela finds it engaging: “I take all the photos, then use the app to add effects. It feels like I’m learning something new—like editing and video skills.”

The lesson also introduces students to concepts in physics (motion and gravity), engineering (set design), and math (timing and frame rates).

Another widely loved activity is the Emoji Design project. Although the suggested graphic design platform wasn't available, Thompson found five alternative programs that achieved the same goal. Students were able to choose the one they liked best and customize their designs accordingly. Sixth-grader Kevin created a sports-themed emoji, while eighth-grader Maria Jose explored gradient backgrounds on her own.

The adaptability of the lesson plans fosters creativity and autonomy in the classroom. Students are encouraged to choose the tools they feel most comfortable with, building confidence and expanding their digital skillsets. Thompson recalls one student who gravitated toward a music production app. “He was excited to use it for percussion work,” she says. “He told me, ‘I’m good at keeping beats,’ and I loved seeing him channel that.”

Thompson believes that using technology as a tool for creation, rather than just consumption, is transformative. “It gives students the power to express themselves and demonstrate what they’ve learned in ways that feel personal and meaningful,” she says. “When they’re given choice, they find their voice—and that’s huge.”

Students agree. “We get to add our own ideas into our assignments,” says seventh-grader Gabriel. His classmate Leo puts it simply: “It makes learning more fun.”

STEM and robotics teacher Tim Nash has noticed the broader impact of these lessons. Students are applying their newly acquired skills to other classes, such as journalism. “They now produce weekly video announcements using tools introduced through these lessons,” Nash says. “It’s exciting to see them transfer those skills beyond just one subject.”

These video projects are shared throughout the school and have empowered middle-school students to take on leadership roles in content creation—an outcome Nash calls “pretty cool.”

To support her fellow educators, Thompson shares a regular newsletter filled with project ideas, examples, and resources. She also provides individualized support through one-on-one conversations, ensuring teachers feel confident using the materials. “What’s really great is that teachers are taking these resources and making them their own,” she says. “And the results have been both creative and inspiring.”