Google kicks off the 2014 Google Science Fair for students aged 13-18

Google is challenging students aged 13-18 to submit their brilliant ideas for the fourth annual Google Science Fair. Last year, Canadian student Ann Makosinski scored top honours in her age group for her battery-free flashlight.

Thousands of teens around the world have created impactful projects since the first Google Science Fair in 2011. These projects have tackled some of today’s greatest challenges, like an anti-flu medicine and more effective ways to beat cancer. Project submissions for the 2014 Google Science Fair are due May 12 and the winners will be announced at the finalist event at Google headquarters in Mountain View, Calif., on September 22.

The grand prize is befitting of the scale of this global competition. This year’s grand prize winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship; a chance to join the Virgin Galactic team at Spaceport America in New Mexico as they prepare for space flight and will be among the first to welcome the astronauts back to Earth; a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands aboard the National Geographic Endeavour; and a full year’s digital access to Scientific American magazine for their school. Students who win in their age category will have a choice between going behind the scenes at the LEGO factory in Billund, Denmark or an amazing experience at either a Google office or National Geographic.

Two new awards will be introduced for the 2014 competition:

·        The Computer Science Award will be given to a project that champions innovation and excellence in the field of computer science

·        Local Award Winners will be honoured in select locations globally to students whose projects have attempted to address an issue relevant to their community

 To inspire the young inventors, Google will host a series of Hangouts on Air with world-renowned scientists showcasing exclusive tours of cutting edge labs. The Hangouts will also provide access to the Google Science Fair judges and team.

Interested students, parents or teachers can visit the 2014 Google Science Fair website at www.googlesciencefair.com for full contest rules, important dates, and registration.