COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO CHOOSE
"AMERICA'S TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR"

400 Middle School Semifinalists from 41 States and Puerto Rico Selected from 75,000 Students in the 6th Annual Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge

Silver Spring, MD - The countdown to choosing the nation's top young scientist began today as Discovery Communications, Inc. announced the 400 middle school students from around the country selected as semifinalists in the 2004 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC). The DCYSC is the nation's premier science contest for students in grades 5-8, and its aim is to encourage the discovery, exploration and communication of science and identify the scientific trailblazers of tomorrow.

"This year's competition continues the tradition we've established of making science fun for middle school students while cultivating the next generation of American scientists," said Judith A. McHale, CEO, Discovery Communications. "What is clear from the quality of the entries this year is that the future of science in the United States is bright. The breadth of knowledge and curiosity demonstrated by the 400 semi-finalists is inspiring."

The Semifinalists

The 400 semifinalists come from 41 states and Puerto Rico and were selected from a pool of 1,795 formal entries, and initially were chosen from a pool of 75,000 students who entered science fairs nationwide. The top six states represented in the 400 are Florida (53), Texas (36), California (35), Missouri (16), and Arizona and Ohio (15). The 400 semifinalists are split nearly evenly between girls and boys and range in age from 10 to 15.

The 400 projects selected to advance to the semifinals run the scientific gamut, from biochemistry to physics, from zoology to health, and from mathematics to engineering. All the projects were developed with clear-eyed precision and showcased a level of complexity that might make the average adult's head spin. Beyond the originality and excellence of these original projects, semifinalists were also chosen for their ability to effectively communicate the reasoning and purpose behind their projects.

"These students exhibit an intellectual maturity that is truly remarkable," said Steve Jacobs, DCYSC Head Judge. "Even more impressive, and a fundamental part of our competition, is their success in explaining their work to others, a prerequisite of scientific leadership."

The countdown to choosing America's top young scientist continues next month, on September 20, when the field of 400 semifinalists is narrowed by the DCYSC judges to the "Final Forty." These 40 finalists will come to Washington, D.C. October 23-27, where they will take part in the DCYSC finalist competition at the Cole Field House at the University of Maryland. The finalists will compete in team-based, interactive challenges celebrating 100 years of Albert Einstein's physics-2005 marks the centennial of Einstein's relativity theories and the DCYSC will help to kick-off the anniversary. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

About the Competition

In 1999, Discovery created the DCYSC to be a part of the solution to America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The contest responds to evidence that academic performance and interest in science among American students declines dramatically as students get older - particularly during the middle school years.

The DCYSC identifies and honors America's top middle school student who demonstrates the best skills in leadership, teamwork and scientific problem solving. In addition, the ability to be an effective science communicator - a goal that reflects Discovery's philosophy that scientific knowledge is most valuable when it is communicated and shared - is a key component of the judging.

More than 7,500 children have entered the DCYSC since its inception. Winners have received more than $400,000 in scholarship awards, federal government recognition and participated in science-related trips that have taken them to the far corners of the globe.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. DCI has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 160 countries and territories with one billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's 60 networks of distinctive programming represent 19 entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Wings Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Español, Discovery HD Theater and FitTV. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery.com and 120 Discovery Channel retail stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Liberty Media Corporation (NYSE: L), Cox Communications, Inc. (NYSE: COX), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.

Society for Science & the Public administers the DCYSC. One of the most respected non-profit organizations advancing the cause of science, Society for Science & the Public has a sterling reputation for conducting high-quality competitions on the national and international level, including the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Society for Science & the Public in a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science among people of all ages through publications, outreach and science programs.

The World Year of Physics 2005 is a United Nations endorsed, international celebration of physics. Events throughout the year will highlight the vitality of physics and it's importance in the coming millennium, and will commemorate the pioneering contributions of Albert Einstein in 1905. Through the efforts of a worldwide collaboration of scientific societies, the World Year of Physics will bring the excitement of physics to the public and inspire a new generation of scientists.

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