Steven Jacobs is an accomplished scientist, educator, author, and media personality, but his creative involvement in Discovery Education's Young Scientist Challenge (YSC) is perhaps his most beloved role. Affectionately dubbed ?Judge Jake? by finalists, he has built a career of making science fun and accessible.

With three university degrees, nearly two decades of teaching, and experience with Nickelodeon, Paramount Television, FOX Television, Disney, National Public Radio (NPR), and the Smithsonian Institution under his belt, Jake was an ideal fit as consultant and judge for YSC when it kicked off in 1999. ?I find that often kids get very enthusiastic . . . when it comes to learning the scientific method of thinking. I was excited to learn that the YSC drew young scientists from all over the US,? he says.

For months leading up to Finalist Week in October of each year, Jake works closely with the Discovery team to create, test, and validate dynamic scientific challenges for forty finalists to execute in Washington, D.C. From building a rocket car to identifying paramecium, the unique challenges are large-scale, exciting endeavors that teams of eight tackle in 90 minutes or less. All challenges follow national curriculum standards and are carefully planned to measure specific scientific skills and meet predefined judging criteria.

Because finalists spend jam-packed days competing in challenges, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. One of Jake?s favorite parts of the YSC is the ?downtime? he spends with kids and scientistsbetweenchallenges. Armed with his bag of science tricks?thought-provoking science experiments he calls ?whelmers??Jake?s activities are designed to awe and inspire, ?not overwhelm folks, butwhelmthem or spark their curiosity.?

When it?s time to wear his ?judge hat,? Jake and apanel of judgesare tasked with evaluating each finalist?s science fair project as well as scientific communication skills, teamwork ability, understanding of the scientific process, and actual performance in challenges. In a pool of so many highly skilled and competent students, choosing the top three winners can be a difficult undertaking, but Jake says it always comes down to finalists who ?possess the ability to inspire and inform others of the delights of scientific discovery.?

Remember that it takes time and patience to develop a winning project. Discipline yourself to stick with it. Most YSC winners have worked on their projects for one or two years!