Discovery Education and 3M have announced the top 47 middle-school students from across the country as semifinalists in the 12th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Ariel Stiber from Northshore Junior High in Bothell has won the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge semifinalist honor for the state of Washington.

The semifinalists were selected based on their science communication skills exhibited in a short video explaining the science behind issues millions of Americans face in everyday life, including preventing the spread of germs, ensuring food safety and sun protection. All video entries were evaluated by a panel of judges and assessed on creativity, persuasiveness, classroom suitability and overall presentation — not on video production skills.

Each semifinalist will receive $250 and a prize package including a plaque honoring their science teacher or mentor. Judges will announce the top 10 finalists in August, each of whom will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge finals on Oct. 5. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value), the title of “America?s Top Young Scientist” and a trip to St. Paul, Minn., to work alongside 3M’s top scientists and visit the 3M Innovation Center.