Theories, principles and laws governing energy and the effect of energy on matter.

 

 

Projects  in   this  category  could  involve  solid  state  physics,  optics,  acoustics,  particle    physics, nuclear   physics,   atomic   energy,   superconductivity,   fluid   and   gas   dynamics,   thermodynamics, semiconductors,  magnetism,  quantum  mechanics,  biophysics,  etc.

The  following  requirements  apply  to  Biology/Microbiology;  Chemistry/Biochemistry;  Computer Science; Earth and Space Sciences; Engineering; Mathematics; Medicine and Health; and Physics.

  1. Only one (1) project can be entered per competition.
  2. Submit six  (6)  copies  of  a  double-spaced  scientific  paper  to  accompany  the  project  to  be submitted.  The  content  of  the  paper,  which  should not  exceed  five  (5)  pages,  should include:   a  short  introduction  describing  the  background  and  purpose  of    the  work,    an experimental   section   including   both   methods   and   results,   and   a   concluding   section discussing  the  results  and  their  implications.  Tables,  graphs,  charts,  maps,  photographs, raw  statistical  data,  etc.  should  be  included  whenever  possible.  They  must  also  include references  used  and  acknowledgements  of  any    individuals    who    served    as    direct academic  resources.  The  student’s  name,   page   number   and   unit   name   and   number must  be  on  the  top  of  each  page.  Supporting  documents  must  be  submitted  with  the scientific  paper.

NOTE:   The  deadline  for  submission  of  national  registration  documents  is  May 15, 2020. No materials or copies will be accepted after that time or at the National Competition.

  1. The contestant  is  to  make  an  oral  presentation  (minimum  5  minutes).  This  time  limit

does not include the time required for judge’s questions and contestant to responses.

  1. Contestants are responsible for providing their own  equipment.

 

  1. Contestants must provide a display board for each qualifying entry. No display boards are permitted to appear in more than one competition. Additionally, the content of each display board must be relevant to the competition. Items used for demonstrations can be transferred if needed.

 

  1. The NAACP   ACT-SO   Program   will   provide   electrical   power   and   display   tables   upon

request by May 8, 2020.

7.         Contestants  must  submit  a  STEM  Verification  Form  from  a  qualified  scientist  or  science teacher  with  an  earned  professional  degree  or  license.  This  person  can  also  serve  as  a coach,  working  closely  with  the  student  during  the  course  of  the  project  to  ensure  the accuracy  of  the  student’s  research  and  qualifications  for  entry.

 

A   S TE M  Verification   F o r m   m u s t   be  submitted   for   each   qualifying   S T E M  

competition   e n t r y

STEM  projects  will  be judged by the following criteria:

 

  • Quality of Research

 

  Scientific  Approach/Method  (20)

 

  Validity of Information (10)

 

  Validity  of Conclusion(s) (10)

 

  • Depth of  Understanding  Oral  Presentation

 

  Knowledge  Gained  and  Creativity (20)

 

  Thoroughness &  Individual Work  (20)

 

  • Written Report  (10)

 

  • Visual Presentation  (10)