(NSF: Arlington, VA) -- The Kids’ Science Challenge has announced the winners of this year’s competition in which third through sixth graders from all over the United States come up with creative ideas for solving science and engineering problems. The winning students, chosen from more than 1,300 entries, will collaborate with scientists and engineers to see their ideas produced. Funded by the National Science Foundation and created by Jim Metzner, award-winning producer of the Pulse of the Planet radio series, the Kids’ Science Challenge encourages elementary school students to discover that science is cool.

“Once again, kids have shown that they can think creatively ‘outside the box’ in the realm of science,” says Jim Metzner. “This year’s winners and finalists show a blend of imagination, insight, and resourcefulness. Our Magical Microbe winner addresses a serious problem facing the entire world: a dwindling supply of fresh water. Our Super Stuff for Sports winner found a simple, clever way to improve the performance of golf balls, which may have wider applications as well. And I can’t wait to hear what the Sensational Sounds winner’s new musical instrument—which uses spray bottles and cups—will sound like!”

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