Christopher Columbus Gold Medal Award
Today’s middle school students are the Innovation Generation — everyday kids with untapped potential who are creative problem-solvers. Unlocking that potential is the mission of the Christopher Columbus Awards program, a cutting-edge national competition that combines science and technology with community problem-solving in a real-world setting.
The competition is open to all students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Students work in teams of three or four with an adult coach to identify a problem they care about and use science and technology to develop an innovative solution. They work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test, just like adult scientists.
Two teams will receive Gold Medal Awards, which entitles each team member to a gold medal and a $2,000 scholarship.
For more information and to enter, visit the Christopher Columbus Awards website.
Here is a partial list of past recipients.
S.L.I.D.E.: Solar Light Indicating Danger Ecologically STEM Science Team Roan Mountain, TN Problem: Playground equipment becoming hot enough to cause second- to third-degree burns. Solution: S.L.I.D.E. – A solar powered warning system designed to detect playground equipment surface temperatures and to visually alert playground visitors when the surface becomes dangerously hot. At an awards ceremony […]
The Biodiesel Weasels Pinnacle Charter School Federal Heights, CO Problem: Increased transportation costs Solution: “Top off” fuel tanks of the district’s buses with biodiesel fuel to help reduce transportation costs At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the eight Finalist teams received Gold Medals and $2,000 per team member for their winning […]
Pinelands Eco Scienteers All Saints Regional Catholic School Manahawkin, NJ Problem: Diminishing supply of fossil fuels and the pollution they cause. Solution: A unique solar collection system that is functional anywhere in the world. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the six Finalist teams received Gold Medals and $2,000 per […]
The Incrediveyor! Gahanna Middle School Gahanna, OH Mont Vernon Village School Mont Vernon, NH Problem: Dangerous bacteria on grocery store conveyor belts that can contaminate our food. Solution: The Incrediveyor! a checkout belt made of hydrophobic, Teflon-coated glass fiber fabric that is continuously sanitized. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of […]
Pickup Patrol Mont Vernon Village School Mont Vernon, NH Problem: Communications problems between parents and school administration when students’ end-of-day travel plans change Solution: An electronic system that allows parents to change a child’s after-school travel plans with the school by computer or mobile device At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two […]
Call of the Wild All Saints Catholic School Manahawkin, NJ Problem: Natural habitats being lost to suburban sprawl. Solution: A four-pronged plan employing action, outreach, education and political initiatives to preserve the many endangered species identified in the community. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the finalist teams received […]
Recycle Because You Care St. Philip the Apostle School Addison, IL Problem: Improve local participation in recycling. Solution: Community awareness outreach regarding the importance of recycling and to supply free recycling bins to every household. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the finalist teams received gold medals and savings bonds […]
Sunbusters: Safe-Tea Sunscreen Science Rocks U Whiteface TX Problem: Skin cancer. Solution: An outreach program to inform others about “sun safety” and creation of a fragrance- and chemical-free sunscreen formulated from green tea. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the finalist teams received gold medals and savings bonds for their […]
PMSU: Portable Multi-Sensory Unit Solana Pacific Elementary School San Diego, CA Problem: Children with severe multiple disabilities (SMD) often do not receive adequate sensory stimulation. Solution: PMSU: Portable Multi-Sensory Unit – a portable and adjustable sensory stimulation device for severe multiple disabilities. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the finalist […]
Wetlands Education Team West Geauga Middle School Chesterland, OH Problem: Destruction of the local wetlands leading to the disappearance of the Osprey. Solution: Educate the public and schools about nearby existing wetlands and enlist their help to preserve them. At an awards ceremony held at Walt Disney World®, two of the finalist teams received gold […]
