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Competition Procedures - This file helps outline the process of competing in the Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Awards.
The What If is a series of annual student competitions, sponsored by Anousheh Ansari and designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects with the goal of encouraging students to use their imagination for innovative ideas.
"We have launched the "What if" competition to make students think! Think about things that may seem impossible. Imagine a world that is very different than today," said Ansari. "We want them to use their imaginations combined with their knowledge to come up with innovative ways to better our lives as the new space generation. They hold the key to a better future!"
This year's competition is focused on U.S. middle-school students (grades 6th-8th). The competition will be expanding to other countries and grades in the future. The competition is launched once a year in October and will end during February of following year. Cash prizes are awarded to the 1st place winners in each grade. This year the Grand Prize winner will have the opportunity to participate in the Conrad Award Innovation SummitTM April 2nd - 4th, 2009 and Yuri's Night both at NASA Ames Moffett Field.
For more information on the competition, visit www.whatifprize.org. For more information on Anousheh Ansari, visit www.anoushehansari.com.
Barack Obama's answers to the top 14 science questions facing America
Science Debate 2008 Session 1 - Innovation & Competitiveness: Renewing America's Leadership
Innovation in science and technology has driven half of America's economic growth since WWII, but the global landscape is changing. National experts in this video debate discuss strategies the United States needs to take to retain and renew its global leadership in innovation into the future.
Science Debate 2008 Session 2 - Renewing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education
We need to ensure students graduate with the science and technology skills for success in the work force and with the science literacy needed for an active role as citizens in a technologically sophisticated democracy. Policy leaders and educators will look at these trends and discuss strategies to renew American STEM education.
Science Debate 2008 Session 4: Integrating Science and Technology in America's Artistic and Civic Culture: Seeing Our World Anew
A debate on new strategies for renewing America's love affair with science, and the key role science has in shaping our ongoing success as a nation.