Some students at Vermillion Middle School need your vote. An 8th grade science class's research about Asian Carp in the Missouri River has made them one of fifteen national finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest. The winners are chosen by online vote. The VHS class could win one of the five $140,000 National Prizes. Voting is open now and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST, March 14, 2014 (that's 10:59 p.m. South Dakota time).

The contest is an effort to raise interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The students in Vermillion investigated the effects of the Asian Carp on the Missouri River. They worked with South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, and Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery. The class made a documentary about their research for the contest.

Vermillion Middle School’s project examines the flying fish invasion of Asian Carp into the Missouri National Recreational River and its invasive environmental threat to the historically and environmentally significant water way. Students will become informed about the local environmental issue through expert education, innovative experiences, and data analysis. Then, they will develop a technological platform for educating our community regarding the threat, prevention, and control of the invasive species in the Missouri River waterway. Finally, students will advocate for Missouri River protection from Asian Carp by presenting the educational information and their proposed solution to local governmental/interest groups. -"Fishing For Population Data" Project Information Via Samsug.com

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