[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAVIkr7HRMk[/youtube]

Google’s fifth annual Science Fair got underway Feb. 18, offering students between 13 and 18 a chance to compete for $100,000 in scholarships, a trip to the Galapagos, and a first-hand look at Virgin Galactic’s latest spacecraft – among other prizes. Teachers play a huge role in the Google Science Fair, and there’s a site with lesson plans an other resources to help engage their students.

New this year: a $10,000 Inspiring Educator award for one teacher who “goes above and beyond” to encourage students to “achieve great things,” and a Community Impact Award honoring a project that addresses an environmental or health challenge.

Projects can come from across all scientific fields, including biology, computer science, and anthropology. The deadline  to submit projects online is MAY 19, 2015, with regional and global winners announced over the summer.

Run with Lego Education, National Geographic, Scientific American and Virgin Galactic, the contest has produced some impressive past winners. One teen created a flashlight powered by heat from the user’s palm on the handle.

Click HERE to read the 2015 rules.

Filed under: Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12, K-12 Outreach Programs

Tags: Competitions for Students, Contest, Google Science Fair 2015, Resources for Teachers