Florida Junior Academy of Science

And

Florida Science Talent Search

A Division of the Florida Academy of Sciences

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Volume 21, No. 1 Fall 2002

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Welcome 2002-2003 members!

The Florida Junior Academy of Science (FJAS) welcomes you to our organization. We hope that 2002-2003 will a good year for both you and the Junior Academy. Many opportunities are available to students conducting scientific research. Below are the deadlines and dates of a few of the many competitions and events:

Nov 20 - entries due for the Intel Science Talent Search (for 12th graders only)

Feb 1 - deadline for entries to FJAS preliminary competition

Feb 2-4 - Florida Junior Science, Engineering and Humanities Symposium* in Gainesville

Feb 13-18 - American Junior Academy of Science in Denver Colorado

Mar 22 - FJAS competition* at University of Central Florida in Orlando

April 9-11 - State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida* in Jacksonville

May 11-16 - Intel International Science & Engineering Fair* in Cleveland Ohio

*Students in these competitions may win trips to national or international events.

Each year 1 or 2 FJAS members are selected to present their research at the American Junior Academy of Science. This is held in conjunction with AAAS Annual Meeting. Student’s projects are listed in the AAAS program. This year’s winner is Allison Boothe of Pine Crest School.

FJAS offers you another opportunity to compete at the state level with your scientific research. Florida Junior Academy of Science (FJAS) and The State Science & Engineering Fair of Florida (SSEF) have many similarities and differences.

Similarities of FJAS and SSEF:

-Students must use ISEF forms and obtain appropriate approvals PRIOR to experimentation

-Students compete with their peers in Junior and Senior Divisions

-Students are judged by university professors and scientists in the field

-Students are awarded plaques and other awards
 
 

Differences of FJAS and SSEF: At FJAS

-Only FJAS members can compete

-Literary Research is a category

-Only individual research is accepted

-Research papers are submitted for a preliminary judging instead of going through a regional fair

-Ten to 12 students are selected to compete in each session at the state competition

-Presentations are oral with transparencies, slides or other visual aids but not the board

-Sessions may combine related categories based on the number of entries in these categories

-High School Seniors may also compete in the Florida Science Talent Search held at the same time

-Student observers are welcome at the competition

-Approximately 50% of the papers submitted to the preliminary competition are selected to present at the state competition
 
 

Experimental research allows the student the opportunity to test a hypothesis and draw conclusions using their data while following the Scientific Method. Literary research allows the student to thoroughly investigate an area in which they can NOT experiment because of regulations, expense, ethical or moral issues, or the impracticality of experimental design.

Experimental research offers more opportunities to compete in science fairs, symposia, and FJAS. Seniors entering the Florida Science Talent Search MUST submit experimental papers.

Below is a compilation of the most common complaints and criticisms offered by student researchers, their teachers, and judges.

1. Procrastination - You know the deadlines; Do what you can today; it will not go away!

2. Inadequate Background Research - Use recent journal articles. Make proper citations.

3. Inaccurate Records - Write down everything from page numbers of articles to the observations you never thought you would forget. Date all data sheets.

4. Poor Experimental Design - Have many people read your plan, if they couldn’t repeat the experiment, rewrite it. Control all variables.

5. Not Enough Data - Plan the experiment to have ample samples; more is better.

6. Not Repeating the Experiment - Repeat the experiment or two or three separate trials at the same time.

7. Not Analyzing Data Properly - Data should be analyzed using inferential statistics. Don’t trust the programs, understand what the tests mean.

8. Poor Paperwork - Be sure that all ISEF forms are completed and approved PRIOR to experimentation.

9. Silly Errors - Spelling, punctuation, and grammar make a difference. PROOFREAD!

10. Procrastination - Before you know it "tomorrow" is "yesterday". DO IT NOW!

Seniors who conduct experimental research can compete in both FJAS and Talent Search. Through Talent Search, outstanding seniors are recognized for their hard work throughout their high school career. Two seniors will win trips to the National Youth Science Camp in West Virginia. Other awards include scholarships, memberships and plaques.

To compete in Talent Search and FJAS, complete both entry forms and submit these with the paper by Feb 1st. The Talent Search Entry Form lists the additional information required for judging. This includes SAT/ACT scores, transcript, resume of activities and awards. At the FJAS competition a $5 registration fee is required and an interview will be conducted in addition to the presentation.

The best and brightest students in Florida compete in Talent Search. In addition to FJAS members entering this competition, students who were identified by the Intel Science Talent Search as semi-finalists are also invited.

20% GPA and class rank

30% SAT or ACT scores

35% Ranking from FJAS competition

10% Scientific Potential based on resume

5% Personal Interview

For the 6th year FJAS members who competed at both FJAS and SSEF won more awards at SSEF. This is not just the quantity of the awards, proportionally, but also quality. FJAS competitors won significantly more Place Awards than the other students. As FJAS Coordinator I feel this significant difference is due to the additional time in preparation, presentation, and interaction with judges by students and their supportive sponsors.

You can’t win if you don’t compete and you can’t compete if you don’t get to work!