WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

All High School students from NJ institutions (who are NJAS members) can participate under the junior academy division.

This live competition will give students the opportunity to have their research abstract published in the NJAS Newsletter and to present their scientific presentation at the 2024 national  "American Junior Academy of Science" (Junior Academy level). 1st and 2nd place winners can attend the national meeting. 

SCIENCE CATEGORIES:

Environmental Science / Ecology

Cell or Molecular Biology

Health / Medicine

Chemistry / Biochemistry

Physics / Engineering

Mathematics/Computational Science

Psychology / Animal Behavior

Microbiology

Botany

Marine & Aquatic Science

Science or Math Education

Earth Science / Geology / Meteorology

Topical Reviews

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

This year, the requirements to participate in the research competition will include several phases which include:  a written abstract, a voice over YouTube video of no more than 10 minutes, a headshot picture of the participant, a photo release form, and an 8-10 minute PowerPoint/Google Slide presentation, presented live on the day of the event. 

 Live Presentation  May 20, 2023 - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

ABSTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Follow these instructions carefully (improperly prepared abstracts/missing info may cause rejection of your abstract):

1. We will only accept abstracts that are submitted in electronic form.  The preferred format is MS Word, Arial font, size 12, fully justified.  RTF format is also acceptable.  

2. The abstract should be approximately 200 words long, excluding title, author and school or institution affiliation information.

3. Type the title in bold and all capitals, except for scientific names.

4. Start authors with the first author. Underline the name of the presenting author. The presenting author must be an active NJAS member. If the presenting author is a student, type (student) after the presenter's name.  If the team is comprised of multiple students (Junior Academy or Senior Academy) each must be an active NJAS member and submit the same abstract and title. 

5. All abstracts MUST be received by March 20th 2023. Late abstracts/meeting registrations are not accepted. 

6. All video submissions and registration fees MUST be received by April 10th, 2023. Late abstracts/meeting registrations are not accepted.  

7. You will be notified by e-mail after your video and registration submissions have been received and accepted. Be ready for all to present live on May 20, 2023.

Example of typical abstract:

SYNTHESIS AND IDENTIFICATION OF TERPENYL ETHERS - A COOPERATIVE COLLEGIATE-INDUSTRY PRODUCT

Joe Smith (student), Jane Doe, Chemistry Department, Kean University, Union NJ 07083

A series of terpenyl ethers was synthesized and analyzed for purity and structure.  The ethers were submitted for aroma quality evaluation…

PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

For the 10 minute YouTube presentation, submitted during the registration process, students will submit their slide show with a voice over explaining their project.  For the presentation on the day of the event, a 10 minute live presentation using the same or an updated Google Slide show should be used, with a 12 slide maximum, not including the title slide or references.  

Each 10 minute presentation must have the following components:

1. Title Slide (Title, Name, NO school mentioned)

2. Introduction (Rationale)

3. Objective & Hypothesis

4. Assumptions

5. Materials, Equipment, Facilities

6. Procedure

7. Data (Graphs, Tables, etc.)

8. Data Analysis and limitations

9. Conclusion

10. Plans for Further Research

Participants should consider the following questions before presenting final presentation:

1. Scientific Thought 

   1. Does the project follow appropriate methodology (examples: appropriate controls; what is current with regard to the topic; how will this research add to the body of knowledge)?

   2. Is the problem clearly stated?

   3. Are the procedures appropriate and organized?

   4. Is the information collected accurate and complete?

2. Creative Ability 

   1. How unique or original is the project idea?

   2. Is it significant or unusual for a student of this age?

3. Understanding 

   1. Does the project explain what the student learned about the topic?

   2. Does the project represent real study and effort?

   3. Does the project show the student is familiar with the topic?

4. Clarity 

   1. Does the student clearly communicate the nature of the problem, how the problem was solved, and the conclusion?

   2. Are the problems, procedures, data, and conclusions presented clearly and in a logical order?

   3. Does the student clearly and accurately articulate in writing what was accomplished?

   4. Is the objective of the project likely to be understood by one not trained in the subject area?

5. Presentation 

   1. Is your display or presentation visually appealing?

   2. Is the proper emphasis given to important ideas?

   3. Are all the components of the project present and executed well?

   4. Is the project presented within the time limit of 10 minutes? (points will be deducted for not adhering to the 10 minute mark.  Students will be asked to "stop" speaking at 10 minutes.)