If you are passionate about science and aiming to make a mark in the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), you’re in the right place.

This prestigious competition provides an excellent platform to students to showcase their research and possibly win many different awards.

Winning can be a game-changer opening doors to internships and leveraging your chances into getting into your dream college.

What is JSHS?

Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a national-level science fair held annually in the US.

The program is backed by the Department of Defense (DoD), and administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

Although this is an open science fair, students must first participate in their regional symposium where they compete for a spot at the national symposium each year.

JSHS also provides mentorship, scholarship, and career pathways for young minds from everywhere to find success, growth, and connection in STEM.

Moreover, students must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or U.

S. territory to participate in JSHS.

There is a big list of eligibility rules and more helpful resources before entering into the competition which you can find here.

Categories involved in Junior Science & Humanities Symposium Eight Categories of Regional and National Symposia At regional and National Symposia, student research presentations will be organized into eight categories.

Categories are assigned based upon a review of all abstracts and the area of research suggested by the student.

Student presenters must state on the abstract the major category and the sub-category of their research.

Categories Environmental Science Environmental Science/Engineering: Bioremediation, Ecosystems management, Environmental engineering, Land Resource Management, Pollution, toxicity; impact upon ecosystem Biomedical Sciences Biomedical medicine, Microbiology, Cellular/Molecular Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Pharmacology, Virology Life & Behavioral Sciences Developmental Biology, Plant Physiology, Population Genetics, General Biochemistry, Microbiology, Behavioral Sciences Medicine & Health Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Disease Diagnosis and Treatment, Epidemiology, Immunology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Pathology Engineering & Technology Aerospace, Aerodynamics, Electrical Engineering, Energy – Solar, Vehicle Development, Devices, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Mathematics & Computer Science Probability and Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science – Algorithms, Databases, Networking, Computer Engineering Physical Sciences Astronomy, Physics-theoretical, Physics-Solid state, Acoustics, Optics, Thermodynamics, Particle Physics, Quantum Physics, Nuclear; Internet of Things–network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity Chemistry Physical Chemistry, Materials, Alternative Fuels, Organic Chemistry (possibly in life science), Chemical Engineering, Earth Science, Geochemistry, Energy–Alternative Fuels, Material Science Winning Tips

1. Understand the JSHSFormat and Criteria Before diving into your research, familiarize yourself with the JSHS format.

This symposium typically includes regional, state, and national levels, each with specific criteria.

Understanding the judging rubric and evaluation criteria will help you align your project accordingly.

Focus on: Research Quality: Ensure your research is original and contributes new insights to your field.

Presentation: Prepare a clear, engaging presentation that highlights your findings effectively.

Scientific Rigor: Your methodology, data analysis, and conclusions should reflect high scientific standards.

2. Conduct Thorough Research The backbone of any winning project is solid research.

Here’s how to conduct effective research: Literature Review: Start with a comprehensive review of existing studies to understand the context and background of your topic.

Use reputable sources like scientific journals, academic books, and trusted online websites to gain the necessary knowledge.

Data Collection: Use reliable and valid methods to gather data.

Ensure your data is sufficient to support your conclusions.

Use Google Docs or Spreadsheets to organize data and research Analysis: Analyze your data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.

Be prepared to explain your analysis clearly.

3. Develop a Strong Hypothesis A strong hypothesis statement is clear, testable, and involves a prediction.

While “testable” means verifiable or falsifiable, it also means that you are able to perform the necessary experiments without violating any ethical standards.

Make sure it is something you can investigate with the resources available to you.

This is where preliminary research is crucial — ensure that your hypothesis is well-informed and grounded in scientific principles.

4. Use the Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a fundamental approach to research that ensures your work is systematic, objective, and reproducible.

Applying this method rigorously will help strengthen your project and make it stand out in the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS).

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide: Ask a Question Conduct Background Research Formulate a Hypothesis Design and Conduct an Experiment Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions Communicate Results Reflect and Revise

5. Craft an Outstanding Presentation Your presentation is your chance to shine.

A well-crafted presentation can make a significant impact on the judges.

Focus on: Clarity: Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.

Make your presentation accessible to a broad audience.

Visuals: Incorporate graphs, charts, and images to illustrate your points.

Ensure they are high-quality and relevant.

Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to build confidence and ensure smooth delivery.

Use Rishab Jain’s Video on creating a winning science fair poster board. https://www. youtube. com/watch?v=qWERHVs14uE

6. Seek Expert Guidance Winning a science fair or symposium can be challenging, and expert guidance can make a significant difference.

This is where sciencefair. io comes into play.

Their A-Z Science Fair Mentorship Program offers: Personalized Mentorship: Receive one-on-one guidance from experienced mentors who can help refine your research and presentation.

Resource Access: From topic selection to final presentation, experienced mentors provide personalized advice and resources to ensure your project stands out.

Join ScienceFair. io’s Mentorship Program and give yourself the best chance to succeed at JSHS!

Conclusion Winning the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium requires dedication, rigorous research, and strategic presentation.

By following these steps and leveraging the support of sciencefair. io’s mentorship program, you’ll be well on your way to making a lasting impression and achieving your goals.