JASON Learning is thrilled to partner with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Society for Science in leading two design challenges for the nation’s top 30 middle school STEM finalists in this year’s Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC). The Thermo Fisher JIC, the premier middle school science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition in the U.S., celebrates these bright young scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who are preparing to tackle the grand challenges of the future.
This year, 30 finalists from 14 states have advanced to Finals Week in Washington, D.C., taking place from October 25 to 30. Each finalist has received a $500 cash award and will compete for over $100,000 in total awards, an opportunity that celebrates not only their scientific prowess but also their ability to communicate, collaborate, and innovate in team challenges. Learn more about these exceptional students here and check out the 2024 winners here.
JASON Learning’s Design Challenges
At JASON Learning, we’re dedicated to making STEM education hands-on and impactful, and we were thrilled to bring that mission to life by crafting two unique design challenges for these middle school innovators.
In the first challenge, we tasked the students with a real-world engineering problem: to design and build a one-room model house prototype that could harness passive solar heating. This challenge focuses on engineering but also emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable temperature control. The students applied scientific principles to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the day and as far into the night as possible.
Building on the foundation of energy-efficient design, we introduced a second layer of complexity—capturing and storing this solar energy. In this follow-up challenge, students explored the chemistry behind batteries, investigating how they could store solar energy for future use. This added twist allowed students to expand their thinking beyond design into practical energy storage solutions, encouraging them to approach problems holistically.
Lori Bedsole, Director of Content at JASON Learning, shared:
As a first-time participant in leading the design thinking challenge at the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, I could not have asked for a more rewarding and inspiring experience. Working with these middle school scientists to design passive solar energy solutions was transformative. I witnessed students who did not know each other a week ago collaborate and problem-solve as teams to create prototypes that addressed the design challenge. They came together to innovate and iterate their design, playing off each other’s strengths and supporting each other when things did not go as planned. One of the most inspiring moments was when one innovator realized their idea was unsuccessful; as she started to feel frustrated and defeated, her team members rose to the challenge with encouragement and advice to approach it differently. Their enthusiasm, passion, and new ideas were contagious, affirming my hope that today’s youth are ready to face the future with ideas for change and innovation.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
At JASON Learning, we’re honored to play a role in inspiring these young minds as they push the boundaries of creativity, scientific inquiry, and teamwork. Partnering with Thermo Fisher Scientific and Society for Science in the Thermo Fisher JIC aligns with our mission to prepare future generations for a world driven by STEM advancements. We’re excited to see where their journey takes them and look forward to fostering more opportunities that ignite curiosity and cultivate real-world problem-solving skills.
These students represent the future of STEM innovation. By nurturing their skills, encouraging exploration, and emphasizing real-world applications, we’re paving the way for a new generation ready to tackle the world’s toughest challenges.
