STEM
Science Sleuth Lets Young People Use Text Messages to Solve STEM Mysteries
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."
About the Author
Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.