USPTO to Host Sally Ride Science TOYchallenge Nationals

The Commerce Department's United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host the 2009 Sally Ride Science TOYchallenge National Showcase at the USPTO campus on Saturday, May 16. TOYchallenge is a national toy design competition for 5th – 8th graders intended to introduce girls and boys to engineering. This unique event shows them that engineering is collaborative, creative and all around them.

The top teams from preliminary rounds are invited to develop working prototypes of their toy or game and bring them to the Nationals for judging. One hundred teams and roughly 500 students are expected for national judging. Teams of between three and six members—half of whom must be girls—use the design process to brainstorm and develop the concept for a toy or game to enter in the challenge. Their original toys or games are based on themed categories including Games for the Family, Get Out and Play, and Toys that Teach. The entries are judged on originality, creativity, feasibility, design process description, team participation and clarity of communication. Southwest Airlines is the official airline of TOYchallenge.

Dr. Sally Ride, best known as America's first woman in space, founded Sally Ride Science in 2001 to create quality programs and products that educate, entertain, engage and inspire. She believes that when children are encouraged to pursue their interests they are inspired to think about their futures, and are better prepared to pursue a wide range of exciting opportunities in high school, college and beyond.

About Sally Ride Science
Sally Ride Science is an innovative science content company dedicated to supporting students' interests in science, math and technology. Our programs include Sally Ride Science Festivals, educator institutes, after-school programs, TOYchallenge, and Classroom Sets to supplement science instruction. For more information, call 1-800-561-5161.

Media Contact for Sally Ride Science: Meredith Manning, VP Marketing, mmanning@sallyridescience.com – 858-638-1432