THINK 2009 Competition Theme
A Cubed: Accurate, Affordable, Accessible Technologies
THINK 2009 Competition Prompt
We welcome projects that meet any of the three qualities stated in current year‘s theme.
Note: Your project does NOT need to meet all three qualities; the fulfillment of any of the above qualities will be desirable for application review. Projects will be judged based on how well you incorporate and achieve each quality.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at: techfair-think@mit.edu
THINK 2009 Timeline:
Priority Registration Deadline: October 15, 2008
Registration Deadline: November 15, 2008
Application Deadline: November 15, 2008
THINK 2009 Awards
A minimum of 9 awards will be given out for this prestigious national competition this year.
3 winners will be recognized in each of the following categories:
- Home-grown Projects: experiments conducted or products constructed in home environment, with or without professional mentorship.
- Laboratory Projects: experiments conducted or products constructed in professional settings, such as school laboratories or industrial labs.
- Idea Proposals: comprehensive invention proposals without solid experimental evidences for support.
Among the 3 winners in each category, the top winner will be recognized as the finalist, while the rest as semi-finalists. Therefore, among the 9 awards, there will be 3 finalists and 6 semi-finalists altogether.
Additional special awards may also be given out this year.
3 Finalists each received:
- $500 scholarship
- An ultra-portable laptop provided by Thomson Reuters
- All-expense paid week-long trip to MIT to attend the MIT TechWeek
(2/2/09 ~ 2/6/09) - Opportunity to demo winning project at the MIT TechFair
- Award certificate and Press release
- Personalized Trophy and THINK winning T-shirt
- A surprise book award recommended and signed by MIT judging professors
- Personalized tours of MIT laboratories and GE Aviation
- Networking opportunities with MIT professors and TechFair companies
Note: The length of the MIT visit depends on each winner‘s preference. A shorter visit can also be arranged if the 5-day trip interferes with schoolwork.
6 Semi-finalists each received:
- $300 scholarship
- Award certificate and Press release
- Personalized medal and THINK winning T-shirt
- A surprise book award recommended and signed by MIT judging professors
A series of workshops and events are being developed to ensure a memorable and inspiring experience for MIT THINK 2009 winners!
Want to be a part of the MIT community and experience its stimulating momentum? Want to witness the creative and exciting work conducted in challenging research fields and to discover the future of science and technology in a tour of MIT laboratories? Want to establish connections with industries, laboratories, and MIT community with your networking skills? Want to be a leader and carry forward your passion in technology for humanity?
Apply to THINK 2009!
2009 Rules of Participation
For Applicants from the United States:
- You must be a full-time high school student attending a public, private, or home school at the time of your application.
- You must be a U.S. resident during the 2008-2009 school year.
- Each school may support as many applicants as desired (limit one submission per applicant).
- No team project entries are allowed for THINK 2009.
- No project entries can be submitted internationally for THINK 2009.
To many international students who have expressed interest in THINK, we apologize that THINK 2009 cannot yet make the international accommodation. However, expansion onto the international level will be the ultimate goal for the THINK Team.
A Brief Message from THINK 2009 Organizers
Thanks to the great enthusiasm from participants in THINK 2008!
Carrying forth the momentum of 2008, THINK 2009 continues the mission of encouraging high school students like you to not only explore fields in science and technology, but also explore your own potentials through the 3-step process: (1) Innovation, (2) Networking, and (3) Knowledge. We hope that you will act on your interests to bring about positive changes to your communities.
In addition to the "how to achieve" from THINK 2008, the 2009 competition also addresses the "what to achieve" component by reinforcing the concept of "accuracy, affordability, and accessibility" as the ultimate purposes of technological advancement. However, the scope and format of project submission remain broad and open-ended for you.
We hope that such a briefing on THINK 2009 will set you off for an exciting exploration! Please check our website for updates throughout the summer. We strongly recommend you to stay updated by signing up for MIT THINK mailing-lists here. Please also remember we are here to make THINK a meaningful experience for you, so don't hesitate to contact us about any questions or concerns.
May it be a fulfilling summer for all of you!
Sincerely,
The MIT THINK Team
