Google is hosting an online science competition open to students between the ages of 13 and 18 from across the globe, in partnership with CERN, LEGO, National Geographic, and Scientific American. The Google Science Fair 2013 is an in-depth investigation of a science question or engineering problem using a sound scientific method or engineering process. Submissions are due online by April 30, 2013.

With the belief that that universal access to technology and information can truly make the world a better place and the need for access to useful information transcends all borders, the competition is designed to champion young scientific talent and give students across the world an opportunity to showcase their ambitious ideas.

Winners and finalists of the Google Science Fair will receive a variety of prizes, ranging from a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions, to a $50,000 Google scholarship, to hands-on experiences at LEGO, CERN or GOOGLE, and other prizes from each partner.

The competition has several prizes available: the Science in Action prize, sponsored by Scientific American, honors a project that makes a practical difference by addressing an environmental, health or resources challenge. The Inspired Idea Award will be given to a project with the greatest potential to change the world, based on votes from the public. Voting will take place at googlesciencefair.com from August 1-30 2013. The Celebrate the School prize recognizes the contributions of winners' teachers and schools. It awards a cash grant worth $10,000 toward classroom computing of science lab equipment and an exclusive 'virtual field trip' experience from CERN.

To learn more about the competition, including rules, parental permission, and how to submit a project, check out their website here.

Below is the promo video, further explaining the competition: