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BIOLOGY/MICROBIOLOGY*
The science of life or of the origin, structure, reproduction, growth and development of living organisms collectively.
Projects in this category could involve the biology of organisms from the macroscopic scale to the microscopic scale (e.g., bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, yeast, genes, etc.)
CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY*
The science that deals with the composition, structure and properties of chemical processes and phenomena of substances and the transformation that they undergo.
Projects in this category could involve physical chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials, plastics, fuels, pesticides, metallurgy, soil chemistry, etc. This category also includes the chemistry of life processes such as molecular biology, molecular genetics, enzymes, photosynthesis, blood chemistry, protein chemistry, food chemistry, hormones, etc.
COMPUTER SCIENCE*
The science that deals with the theoretical aspects of computers including storage and the transformation of data using computers.
This category pertains to the study and development of computer hardware, software engineering, Internet networking and communications, graphics (including human interface), simulations/virtual reality or computational science (including data structures, encryption, coding and information theory).
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCES*
The body of sciences that include geology, mineralogy, physiographic, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, astronomy, speleology, seismology, geography, etc.
Projects in this category could also be concerned with environmental science such as the study of pollution (air, water, and land) sources and their control as well as ecology.
ENGINEERING*
Technology. Projects that directly apply scientific principles to manufacturing and practical uses.
Projects in this category could involve civil, mechanical, aeronautical, chemical, electrical, photographic, sound, automotive, marine, heating, refrigerating, transportation, and environmental engineering; electronics; etc.
MATHEMATICS*
The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions of spaced configurations and their structure. Development of formal logical systems or various numerical and algebraic computations and the application of these principles.
Projects in this category could involve calculus, geometry, number theory, statistics, complex analysis, probability, etc.
MEDICINE AND HEALTH*
The study of diseases and health of humans and animals.
Projects in this category could involve dentistry, pharmacology, pathology, ophthalmology, nutrition, sanitation, dermatology, allergies, speech and hearing, etc.
PHYSICS*
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.
- Only one (1) project can be entered per competition.
- Submit one copy 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.
- 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.
- Contestants are responsible for providing their own equipment.
- 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.
- The NAACP ACT-SO Program will provide electrical power and display tables upon request by May 10, 2021 (if applicable).
- 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 STEM Verification Form must be submitted for each qualifying STEM competition entry
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)