Kids’ Science Challenge was proud to partake in the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles’ Annual Family Science Festival on Sunday. The event was themed “Imagination Meets Innovation”. Held in association with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the event brought over 2,000 Girl Scouts and their families to a fun-filled day of exploring the wonders… of science, technology, engineering and math. It was an amazing day!

This is one of the drawings that Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) artist Wilson Huang did of TJ Hutchinson’s  ”Imagine Sports on Mars” winning idea. You’re seeing details of some of the apparatuses that would make the game possible – gathering magnetic sand through a hoop when you’re playing Martian basketball!

First and for most, I would like to apologize to all my friends and followers for not getting back to u sooner. Blame it on my mom and dad. LOL. Remember that dreams do come true but first u need a supportive family or environment with dedication to follow through with your dreams. I would also like to thank: Steve Grossman, Wilson (artist), David delgado, Kobie my friend, Tracy, Ashwin, Marquita Takei,, Shonte, and Brett Kennedy. Remember without u, none of this could be possible and I look forward to working with u in the future.

Yesterday was my first day at JPL. I met many nice people including the scientist on the show from Sports on Mars. My host Stephenie and David were great. I learned about the meaning of the word Athlete. It stands for: All Terrain Hex-Legged Extra -Terrestrial Explorer, Jim M. you owe me three points! This machine is what has gone to the Moon. It was a cool day, everyone was interested in my ideas about My game on Mars.

How did you come up with your entry?
I like basketball and I thought about the magnetic soil on Mars.  My idea is a fusion of these two things.

Advice to kids entering next year’s challenge?
Think of something you like and watch all the videos on the Kids Science Challenge website.

Favorite Sports: Basketball, kick ball and dodgeball.

My award-winning idea: My idea for a game is called magnetic soil ball. The equipment you will need is a magnet ball, golden astronaut suits, basketball hoops, with buckets and a helmet to protect your face. The object of the game is to get a magnetic ball and cover it with as much magnetic soil as possible. After you do that, you have to dunk or shoot the magnetic ball in the basket. When the ball goes into the basketball hoop, the magnetic soil falls of into a bucket below the hoop. Whichever team fills their bucket first wins the game. The other team could steal your ball. The players wear golden astronaut suits to reflect the sun. The magnetic ball could also collect dust so the players could see.

I came up with this idea by thinking of a basketball and a magnet fused together. As I watched the video I found out that the soil was magnetic. I also wanted to use the gravity for making baskets, magnetic soil, and UV raise.

(Tyrone will visit the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.)