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 2026 national  "American Junior Academy of Science" (Junior Academy level). 1st - 3rd 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

Plant Science

Marine & Aquatic Science

Animal Science

Earth Science / Geology / Meteorology

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

This year, the requirements to participate in the research competition will include several phases which include:  a written abstract, a headshot picture of the participant, a photo release form, and a poster presentation.

 Live Presentation  May 10, 2025 - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Kean University

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.  

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 author names 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. 

5. All registration fees MUST be received by February 24th, 2025. Late meeting registrations are not accepted.  You will be notified by e-mail of your registration completion after you submit registration payment, in that email you will be given a google form link to submit the abstract.

6. All abstracts MUST be received by March 7^th 2025. Late abstracts are not accepted. 
   

7. Annual meeting May 10th , 2025 with academic scientific presentations, a keynote , professional development seminars and an award ceremony
   

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…

POSTER REQUIREMENTS

All posters are displayed at the Kean University STEM building atrium in a single session of one and half hours. Poster presenters must be on hand with their poster during the session.

I. Posters Types: You have 2 options

1. Tri-Fold Poster Type - should be no more than 48" in height and 48" in width. The poster boards (3' x 4' tri-fold boards) as well as binder clips for attaching posters to the tri-fold boards will be provided by NJAS if needed.  Each poster board will be set up on a designated table. Please note that poster boards of this size will accommodate a poster that was printed as a single page in landscape mode and with dimensions less than or equal to the 48" in height and 48" width size of the poster boards.
2. Mini Poster Type - Poster Dimension 24in x 36in or 36 in x 24in. Each poster will be set up on a Poster stand. The poster will be 
3. pinned to the Poster Stand.

II. The Poster must have the following components:

1. Title (Title, Author Name) No school should be included

2. Introduction (Rationale)

3. Objective & Hypothesis

4. Materials, Equipment, Facilities

5. Procedure

6. Data

7. Data Analysis

8. Conclusion

9. Plans for Further Research

10. References (at least 5 from scientific sources)

III. Participants should consider the following questions before printing or presenting their poster:

1. Scientific Thought 

   1. Does the project follow the scientific method?

   2. Is the problem clearly stated with reference to current research in the area and need for additonal investigation?

   3. Are the procedures appropriate and organized?

   4. Is the information collected precise 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, current status, 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 within the time limit of 8-10 minutes? (deduce 3 points for every 30 seconds over/under the limit)