STEM

Science Sleuth Lets Young People Use Text Messages to Solve STEM Mysteries

• By Michael Hart
• 09/14/16

For the third year in a row, DoSomething.org and 3M are partnering on Science Sleuth, a game in which young people use SMS text messages to solve a mystery involving math and science skills.

The program is designed to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields among young people.

The latest game was launched Sept. 13 and will be available until Nov. 30. Participants can go to Science Sleuth to sign up to play. If they share the game with three friends, they will eligible to win a $5,000 scholarship. Once they sign in, users are given a variety of scenarios via text where they will apply their STEM skills to solve the mystery.

"Science Sleuth introduces young people to STEM in an effective way because it shows them how science, technology, math and engineering are relevant to their lives," said DoSomething.org CEO Aria Finger. "Last year, 70 percent of participants said they were more interested in STEM after playing Science Sleuth."

Since the campaign was initiated two years ago, more than 190,000 young people have played the game.

At the end of the campaign, contributors have pledged to go to donors.org and contribute to STEM projects in classrooms around the United States.

3M Gives Director Tim Wong said, "We are thrilled with the continued excitement and interest in Science Sleuth. This partnership reflects 3M's commitment to supporting relevant, fun and creative ways of showing students how science is applied to life."