What is the Ying Prize -- Eligibility Requirements -- Application -- Timeline for 2009 -- Home --  Other Balquhain Projects -- Project Summary and Certification

The Dr. Nelson Ying Science Competition award called the “Ying Prize” consists of a $5,000.00 award to the winner, a $1,000.00 award to the winner’s science teacher and another $1,000.00 to the winner’s school principal. Up to four additional awards may be presented to the finalists, based on merit. The winner will also receive a trophy as a memento.

The students, who are high school or home school equivalents, must be residents of the 8 surrounding counties in the Orlando Science Center service area. These are: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia and meet the eligibility requirements listed in that section on this web site. Go to: the link eligibility requirements for details. This years schedule is on the link: timelines for 2009. A downloadable application is on the link: application. The completed application must include the filled out form on the link project summary and certification.

Five finalists are selected based on a submitted written paper, which describes a physical science project. The judges are distinguished professionals from the University of Central Florida, Rollins College and industry. The five finalists will receive a trophy and an expense paid weekend in Orlando. During the weekend, beginning on Friday, the finalists will participate in tours to scientific venues where they will get a chance to interact with professional scientists and engineers that are not normally available to them. They also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the Orlando Science Center’s scanning electron microscope, the Dr. Phillips CineDome and NatureWorks. Past venues have included Kennedy Space Center, UCF Institute of Simulation, UCF School of Optics, County and Disney environmental projects, Dr. G. Orange County Medical Examiner Office and Lockheed Martin.

On Saturday morning, each of the finalists presents their papers orally to the distinguished panel of judges and has the opportunity to interact with them. The winner is selected based on the oral presentation and their paper. International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) rules apply.